Missing teeth can interfere with your aesthetics, ability to chew and speak, and oral health. One of the ways to replace missing teeth is the use of removable partial dentures (RPDs). They are a reliable, cost-effective way to restore teeth' function and aesthetics.
These custom-made dental appliances fill gaps in your jaw and help preserve your remaining teeth. This article covers more detail about removable partial dentures, types that would suit you, the fitting process, among other related issues.
What are Removable Partial Dentures?
A removable partial denture is a custom-made dental appliance that patients with several missing teeth who still have some natural teeth can benefit from. The gum-colored base of these dentures perfectly matches the surrounding tissue for a natural look. Artificial teeth are attached to this base and replace the teeth you have lost, filling the gaps in your jaw and restoring functionality. Depending on your needs, a metal framework is incorporated to add stability and durability.
Unlike complete dentures, which replace all teeth on an arch, removable partial dentures fit around your remaining teeth so that you have a snug and comfortable fit. These existing teeth serve as anchors for the denture, giving extra support using metal clasps or precision connectors. The traditional option is metal clasps, visible but effective, while precision attachments are a discreet, aesthetic option that blends in with your smile.
Partial dentures are suitable for people who have lost some of their teeth due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or injury and still have healthy teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. They offer a middle ground between fixed dental solutions such as implants and more temporary options like acrylic flippers that many patients can use.
In addition to returning your ability to chew and speak, this dental appliance maintains the alignment of your remaining teeth, keeping them from shifting into the gaps left by tooth loss. The solution is to balance aesthetics, function, and affordability to overcome the problems of partial tooth loss.
Types of Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures have many types; you should consider them when choosing. Every option is designed with specific needs in mind. For example, the material used, durability level, and aesthetic appeal all have different benefits. Your dentist or prosthodontist will help you choose the right type based on your oral health status, lifestyle, and personal tastes. Below are common types of removable partial dentures:
Cast Metal Removable Partial Dentures
Many patients prefer these because of their durability and functionality. Their sturdy base is usually constructed from a cobalt-chromium alloy that offers strength and feels light. This skillfully designed metal framework fits snugly around your remaining natural teeth to keep them supported and lasting.
Metal clasps are usually used to attach securely to your existing teeth in these dentures. These clasps are effective but may be slightly visible depending on their placement. If aesthetics are concerning, precision attachments can be used instead of them. Precision attachments make your denture look and feel like your natural teeth, blending in discretely and visually.
One of the main advantages of cast metal dentures is that they are long-lasting. If you are looking for a long-term solution, these dentures can withstand the rigors of daily use. Another advantage is their thin metal framework, which makes them fit more naturally and comfortably than some other types of dentures can. Cast metal dentures offer patients a reliable alternative to other options because of their strength, comfort, and aesthetic versatility.
Acrylic Clasp Removable Partial Dentures (“Flippers”)
Removable acrylic clasp partial dentures (often called ‘flippers’) are an inexpensive means of temporary tooth replacement. The pink acrylic material mimics the natural appearance of your gums and is used to make these dentures. This base holds the artificial teeth securely and has a simple, functional design.
Often, flippers are used as a temporary solution while you wait for permanent dentures or other restorative treatments. Since they are so affordable, you can have them to fix your smile after tooth loss quickly. Nevertheless, their temporary nature makes them less durable than other partial dentures.
Acrylic dentures may be more aesthetically pleasing and restore essential eating and speaking functions. Still, they may feel thicker and less comfortable than cast metal or flexible dentures. Sometimes, their larger design can make them less secure when eating harder foods.
Flippers can give you a functional smile while you prepare for a permanent solution. If you seek a budget-friendly, practical temporary option, flippers can provide peace of mind while you undergo treatment.
Advantages of Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures benefit the aesthetic and functional problems associated with missing teeth. Below are reasons why these dentures are a popular choice for many:
- Removable partial dentures help you chew your favorite foods and speak clearly during meals and conversations without discomfort or self-consciousness.
- Removable partial dentures fill the gaps missing teeth leave and keep your remaining teeth in the correct position.
- Removable partial dentures are flexible and can be made in a denture base so that additional teeth can be added, making them a long-term versatile solution.
- Partial dentures naturally fill your face, supporting your jaw and the tissues around it and creating a youthful look.
- Removable partial dentures are less invasive and easier to adjust than fixed solutions. If your jaw changes shape over time, your dentures can be altered or modified.
Comparison: Removable vs. Fixed Dentures
Removable and fixed dentures are viable solutions to missing teeth. Knowing the differences could help you decide, considering your needs, financial plan, and oral health necessities.
Removable Dentures
Removable dentures will be used temporarily during the day and removed at night for cleaning and storage. They have gum-coloured bases that rely on clasps, adhesives, or suction for stability and support artificial teeth. Although affordable and noninvasive, removable dentures require periodic adjustments as your jawbone reshapes. If not dealt with quickly, this change in fit could cause discomfort or reduced functionality.
Removable dentures also have dietary restrictions. Eating sticky or hard foods may dislodge them or wear them out. Despite these limitations, they are a practical choice for someone looking for a low-cost, easily adaptable solution.
Fixed Dentures
A more permanent and stronger alternative is to have fixed dentures. These dentures mimic the strength and functionality of natural teeth, secured into your jawbone through dental implants or bridges. They offer unmatched stability, so you can eat a complete and unrestricted diet without worrying about slippage.
Fixed dentures also help prevent bone deterioration. They stimulate the jawbone, helping maintain facial structure and preserve its natural shape. Fixed options are unlike removable dentures, which are a long-term investment, often lasting a lifetime if properly cared for.
Knowing When to Have Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures might be the right choice if you have several missing teeth but some natural teeth in your upper or lower jaw. They are designed to replace the gaps left by tooth loss while working well with your remaining teeth. These dentures enhance functionality and help boost your self-confidence if visible tooth loss has affected your appearance.
After tooth loss due to advanced periodontal disease or a traumatic injury, dentures help regain the ability to chew and speak. They represent a noninvasive option rather than more complex dental procedures.
Removable partial dentures are an affordable, temporary solution for those who cannot afford or are not ready for a long-term commitment to fixed dental prosthetics. They are reliable and aesthetically pleasing ways to replace missing teeth.
The Denture Fitting Process
Removable partial dentures are fitted by following particular steps to ensure that the prosthetic fits comfortably and adequately functions while improving your smile. Each stage is formulated for your dental anatomy and needs.
First, a comprehensive oral examination of your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone and a diagnosis of the extent of your tooth loss is made. This step helps you determine if removable partial dentures are the right option and if you have any pre-existing conditions that must be addressed before proceeding.
Next, your dentist takes impressions of your jaw in the form of a detailed mold to create a custom denture. The impressions take the shape of your mouth, so the finished prosthetic will sit perfectly and comfortably.
Once the impressions are complete, your dentures are trial-modeled. These are prototype dental prostheses made from wax or resin, used during the fitting to check the prostheses' fit, alignment, and appearance.
After the trial phase, your denture's final casting is done. The materials used depend on your preferences and the type of partial denture you need. The finished product is crafted precisely to match your natural teeth, whether a cast metal framework or a more flexible option.
Your dentist will make final adjustments to your dentures before they are delivered to ensure they are as comfortable and fit as possible. They could make minor tweaks to eliminate pressure points or align slightly differently. Once they complete these, your dentures are suitable to wear.
Your dentist will give you comprehensive instructions on using and caring for your new dentures. This includes how to clean them, where to keep them, and how to adjust to the prosthetic.
Post-Fitting Expectations
After having removable partial dentures, your mouth might need time to adjust to the prosthetic. Learning what to expect during this time can make you more prepared and confident when wearing dentures.
You may feel mild discomfort, looseness, or irritation during the first adaptation period. As your oral tissues adapt to the dentures being there, these sensations are perfectly normal. You will feel that the dentures are slightly pressing on some of the gum or that they do not stay still while you speak or chew. While you expect this, you should inform your dentist to adjust the fit if the pain worsens.
You may also feel self-conscious about speaking or eating during the first few days. With practice and patience, you will quickly regain confidence. With time, you will feel more comfortable with the dentures, and your tongue and muscles will learn to hold them in place.
Wearing removable partial dentures requires long-term maintenance. Your prosthodontist needs to check dentures regularly to monitor fit and function. Periodic adjustments will keep your jawbone and oral structures from changing in a way that can cause discomfort and issues like looseness or irritation.
To minimize the risk of gum irritation or bacterial buildup, keep your dentures clean and follow your dentist’s care instructions. If you have ongoing discomfort or have seen any unusual changes in your mouth, ensure you receive care from a professional immediately.
Care and Maintenance of Removable Partial Dentures
You need to care for your removable partial dentures for them to last. Proper denture maintenance begins with daily hygiene, like brushing and flossing. A soft bristle toothbrush and denture-specific cleaning products allow you to remove food particles and plaque without harming the material.
Do not use regular toothpaste; it is abrasive and will scratch the denture surface. These scratches dull the appearance and allow bacteria to stick.
Also, protect your dentures by avoiding hard or sticky foods. Chewing sticky things like gum or hard things like ice can compromise the integrity of the denture or dislodge it. Instead, eat a denture-friendly diet. Soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and scrambled eggs are ideal when adjusting to wearing dentures. As you gain confidence, introduce solid foods back into your diet.
Store your dentures properly when they are not in use to prevent them from warping or drying out. Leave them in water or a solution made for dentures. Do not soak them in hot water, as extreme temperatures can deform their shape. You can protect your dentures from accidental damage or contamination by putting them in a designated storage case.
Find a Northridge Dental Clinic Near Me
When you have several missing teeth, having removable partial dentures fitted restores your oral health, function, and self-confidence. Your dentist can fill missing teeth using custom-crafted dental appliances to help you easily chew, speak, and smile. They also help avoid complications such as jawbone deterioration, shifting of surrounding teeth, or additional tooth loss.
You should consult a skilled dentist to help you choose the denture type that best suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. If you are in Northridge, CA, contact Northridge Advanced Dentistry at 818-701-3010 to book an appointment for oral examination and treatment.
