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Partial Dentures
A removable partial denture is usually made to replace one or more teeth and is customized to your specific requirements. Removable partial dentures restore your natural appearance and greatly improve your ability to chew and speak clearly.
Partials can be made of different materials such as acrylic, a metal/acrylic combination or flexible thermoplastic. The style and type of partial denture that will best suit you is determined by numerous factors, such as the position, stability and number of teeth remaining.
Types of Partial Dentures
1. Flexible Thermoplastic Partials have advantages such as aesthetics (the clasps are made of tooth shades that are not as noticeable as a metal clasp), strength (they are 20 times stronger than acrylic partials), flexibility, lightweight and can take in more of the undercut of your natural teeth for greater retention. They are also bio-compatible, which means they are friendlier to the oral cavity. The only downside to flexible partials is that they are very hard to work with and cannot be modified to suit your future needs. Generally smaller, flexible, acrylic partials are usually used as a temporary replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. These are sometimes called Flippers.
2. Metal / Acrylic Partials are more rigid around your natural teeth than acrylic or flexible partials. The metal clasps used for retention can sometimes show slightly. The metal is usually made of chrome cobalt, although other materials are available. This type of partial denture is sturdier and can be modified if more teeth need to be added later on.
With newer designs, materials and techniques available, today's partial designs are more comfortable than ever before. In fact, some partial designs have no visible clasps and are virtually undetectable. Please feel free to inquire about the many design options Accusmile has to offer!
The Benefits of Partial Dentures
If constructed correctly, partial dentures do not harm the remaining natural teeth. A partial denture can prevent your natural teeth from shifting or drifting into the space left by the loss of a natural tooth. In fact, a partial denture may help maintain the position of your natural teeth by providing them with additional support.
“People who go without a partial denture on the lower jaw develop bad eating habits because the tongue starts being used as a conveyor belt for food. Eventually the tongue muscles become unusually large and later on it’s virtually impossible to fit a lower denture. People who go without a lower partial for an extended period of time also start using their tongue to chew. As a result, the food is only semi- chewed and the digestive system has to work overtime. This can lead to disastrous results in later life. Food is intended to be well-cut and well-chewed, which is difficult to do properly without a partial.”
For more information or to receive a free consultation, please contact us today!
