Everything You Need to Know About Dental Partials

If you only have a few teeth missing—rather than most of your teeth—then dental partials (also referred to as partial dentures) may be the cure-all for your chewing and speech problems.

There are two types of dental partials: removable partial dentures (RPDs) and fixed bridge dentures. RPDs tend to be less expensive and are often the best option in terms of short-term solutions. Fixed bridge dentures can provide increased comfort, but they also come with a higher price tag.

In the remainder of this article, we’ll discuss what dental partials are, the different types available, and the benefits they can provide. Of course, you are always encouraged to learn more about partial denturesfrom your dentist to see which dental solution is best for you.

Increased patient interest in partial dentures has given way to several different variations of partial dentures; this provides plenty of opportunities for you to speak with a dental professional about which option best fits your needs and desires.

Removable Partial Denture: Cast Metal

The most frequently utilized type of partial denture is the type that is removable and primarily consists of a rigid metal frame with removable teeth; this is also the most affordable type of partial denture, but not always perceived as the most esthetically-pleasing option.

Fortunately, there are variations of removable partial dentures (RPDs) that use materials that have a more natural look.

There are a few different types of removable partial dentures:

Removable Partial Denture: Acrylic

The given layman’s term for this type of dental partial is “flipper.” The name refers to the thick and bulky framework of the denture that includes sometimes-visible metal clasps attached to the natural teeth.

A pink acrylic base makes up the framework of the denture. Ideally, this type of denture is only a temporary solution. They are bulky, so you may or may not have trouble speaking at times.

Flexible Partial Dentures

This is a solution for people who are either allergic to acrylic or who find a metal framework to be uncomfortable. Flexible partial dentures are not as durable as other options because their framework consists of a heat-sensitive plastic.

Despite this, some patients have reported wearing these without issue for several years. Cost is a major limiting factor for patients mulling the option of wearing flexible dentures permanently and just buying a new set every couple of years.

Fixed-Bridge Partial Denture

Fixed bridge partial dentures are an alternative to removable partial dentures that involve a tooth implant rather than a framework of connected teeth. As such, a fixed bridge is an excellent choice for those who are only missing a couple of teeth.

Here is how it works:

However, some relatively significant drawbacks keep fixed bridge partial dentures from becoming more popular than they currently are. For one thing, some healthy teeth must be ground down to hold the crown. Also, the spaces underneath the bridge will need to be adequately cleaned and maintained to ensure the bridge remains secure and the teeth stay healthy.

Implant-Supported Fixed Bridge

This type of partial denture may be the best option for patients who don’t want to compromise their healthy teeth but still want a fixed bridge rather than a removable partial denture . They are also the better choice for those looking to replace more than a couple of teeth.

The bridge of replacement teeth is supported by a series of roots made from a biocompatible titanium material. Up-front costs are certainly high, but this is often the most comfortable and durable approach for those seeking a long-term solution. With proper care, they can pay for themselves over time.

If you are on the fence about whether partial dentures are a practical choice, then you should consider the numerous benefits they can offer.

Esthetics

Perhaps the most obvious reason to get partial dentures is to improve your smile’s appearance. This can be the ultimate confidence booster for those self-conscious about their smiles. Studies have found that the improvement of esthetics is one of the most common reasons that patients approach their dentists for information regarding dentures.

A confident smile plays a vital role in success in both business and personal life, so it is not uncommon for patients to ask their dentists if they can pick out a specific denture design.

Improved Speech Mechanics

Missing or damaged teeth can affect speech patterns to a significant degree. Speech deficiencies such as lisps or mispronunciation can become common in even the most dignified speakers undergoing tooth problems.

According to Dr. Avinash Bidra from the UConn School of Dental Medicine, “When you lose even a single tooth, it will result in bone loss, change the bite, cause food impaction, and result in adjacent teeth moving towards the missing space.”

Partial dentures supported by implants have been shown to be particularly effective at restoring speech patterns. This is not to say that removable partial dentures won’t help with speech also, but a recent study has revealed that patients with high palates, narrow arches, and small front spaces seem to have the most trouble adjusting to removable partial dentures with bulky connectors.

Ultimately, it will be best to approach a professional dentist with concerns regarding the effectiveness of partial dentures at improving speech. These professionals have experience resolving tooth-related issues and should certainly have a good idea of what your best option is moving forward.

They Make It Easier to Eat

Whether fixed or removable, partial dentures can make it much less of a chore to eat. You may even be able to once again enjoy foods that you have not been able to consume in quite a while.

Besides aesthetics, the improved ability to chew food is one of the top reasons patients show interest in partial dentures. The fixed bridge variation has been shown to lead to more drastic improvements in chewing ability over removable partial dentures.

Note: Patient expectations versus reality play a big role in whether chewing improvements are realized. It is certainly possible that you could be happy with the upgrades that removable partial dentures have over the missing or damaged teeth that they replace.

At the very least, chewing should not be painful anymore. Your overall chewing mechanics will improve regardless of which dental partial you go with, as you will no longer have to chew with only a few good teeth.

The cost of dental partials will vary depending upon which specific type you and your dentist decide is best for your needs. Out-of-pocket fees by the practitioner and patient insurance coverage differ too widely to assign particular costs.

Generally speaking, removable partial dentures (RPDs) will cost less than fixed bridge partial dentures. The priciest option of all is the implant-supported fixed bridge (at least in terms of upfront costs). Flexible RPDs are relatively costly, but they provide more comfort than some of the bulkier RPD types.

Partial dentures can be an excellent dental solution for those wanting to replace one or several teeth. However, it’s important to remember that this treatment option is not best for everyone. With that said, you are always encouraged to learn more about partial dentures from your dentist to see if this solution is best for you.