Dentures are false teeth that are created to replace teeth you have lost. They are generally made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. Dentures come in two types—complete, which replace all teeth; and partial, which fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from changing position.
Partial dentures
If you are missing just a few teeth scattered over your upper or lower arch, or if you have at least two teeth on both sides of your arch, your best option is a removable partial denture (RPD).
There are several types of RPDs—all of which use standard plastic denture tooth to fill the gap of a missing natural tooth. The differences between these RPDs are the materials used.
·Cast Metal RPDs
RPDs with cast metal frameworks are one of the oldest forms of dentistry. Originally made out of hammered silver, these RPDs are cast to fit your tooth, providing extremely stability and retentiveness. Your teeth will be slightly altered beforehand so that this RPD can rest on them without interfering with your bite.
One major advantage of the cast metal RPDs is that is that sore spots almost never arise since neither the framework, nor the plastic extensions contact the soft oral tissues with any force.
·Flippers
Known as a "flipper," this is the least expensive of all RPDs and a much simpler device. With this RPD, an acrylic tooth is fastened to an acrylic plate and metal clips may be formed to help hold it in place. However, a dental flipper isn't secured very tightly, and it should be removed for eating.
The largest single advantage to this type of RPD is that new teeth and a new denture base can easily be added. These are frequently fabricated even if the remaining teeth are in tact, but have prevalent tooth decay, and their eventual loss is likely. Although they are considered a temporary solution, many people keep this type RPD for many years because as long as the flipper is properly maintained, they look as good as many other, more costly alternatives.
Our Most Popular Partial
One of the most popular non-metal flexible partial dentures we use and have had great success with is the Valplast, removable non-metal partial denture. The Valplast is an unbreakable, removable partial denture that many of our patients have found to be very comfortable. It is practically invisible and eliminates completely the need for metal clasps.
Advances in Dentistry
Technological advances in dentistry have resulted in many great improvements to dentures and partial dentures. It is, however, the best choice to keep your teeth—or at least some of them if possible. For example, if you have lost a majority of your bottom teeth, and you want to pull the remaining one or two, you will have nothing to anchor the bottom denture to while you chew.
A successful denture can still be made, but it is not as effective. Like other types of dental work, proper care, oral hygiene and judgment will result in a denture that functions optimally and looks and feels like your natural tooth.
Strange at first
Both dentures and partial dentures are more natural looking, and more comfortable than they once were. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this dental wear will still feel strange when you first put them in. Dr. Hale may want to see you more often at the beginning to make sure that your dentures or partial dentures fit as they should.
Talking and eating may also feel different with dentures. It is something you will get used to with practice. Exercise caution when wearing dentures because they can make it harder for you to feel hot foods and liquids. You may also fail to notice things like bones in your mouth when wearing dentures.
