Denture Blog

Quick Guide to the Types and Benefits of a Partial Denture

Misconceptions about dentures often get in the way of people seeking help for their dental concerns, especially if the person is only having trouble with one or a few teeth. In reality, there is a multitude of denture options designed to address a range of dental concerns across all ages, health, and dental histories. One such solution is the partial denture. If you find yourself wanting to know more about the benefits of a partial denture, read on to see if they might be a good fit for your smile.

Assessing the Concern

For your denturist to ascertain what device is best for you, they will need to assess the health and anatomy of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Almost all dentures rely on the neighbouring structures of your mouth to support the device. By surveying your oral health, a denturist can then determine whether you require full or partial dentures. If you are missing a few teeth in a row or a couple of teeth across from one another, but your remaining teeth are strong and healthy, your denturist may be able to use the existing teeth to affix a partial denture. These can be designed as a removable device through a system of metal clasps or as a permanent structure by attaching the partial denture to crowns on the supporting teeth. If you suffer from ongoing gum disease or tooth decay, however, this may not be the best approach. The first step to finding out if you’re a good candidate for the benefits of a partial denture would be to consult a denturist for an evaluation of your oral health.

Location and Look

Determining which partial denture would be right for you involves more than just a look at your oral health. Your denturist will also offer options based on how many teeth are missing, and where they’re missing from. A patient who is missing several teeth in a row- particularly the back teeth, would be most suited to the benefits of a partial denture made from high-quality resin, acrylic, and titanium (better known as a “cast metal” denture). This style of the partial denture can replace up to 12 teeth in one arch. Because of its rigidity, a cast metal partial denture can help support chewing without the risk of the denture shifting or bending. Unlike cast metal, flexible nylon-based resin dentures offer a more seamless aesthetic as there is no visible metal and the materials come in a range of colours to match the shades of the patient’s existing teeth and gums. However, this style of partial denture is only suitable for people missing one or a few teeth and not in the back of the mouth as the flexible material is not strong enough on its own to support functions like chewing. Although, it is a more suitable option for patients with ongoing gum or tooth decay as it is gentler on the structures of the mouth and requires less support.

There are many kinds of partial dentures designed to solve a variety of dental concerns. Whether cast metal, acetal resin, partial acrylics, hybrid partials, or flippers, the benefits of a partial denture extend into all areas of your life from an improved diet, increased confidence, prevention of jawbone loss, and more. Whatever your concerns, connecting with a denturist to discuss the benefits of a partial denture are the first step on the path to a healthier life and a happier smile.