HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable Partial Denture Parts
Generally speaking, removable partial dentures consist of the following parts, which help the denture perform its functions within the mouth:
- The saddle. The saddle, or base, of the denture, consists of the artificial teeth that would be placed over the gum area where natural teeth are missing.
- Denture retainers function to ensure a secure fit of the denture to the gum tissue. Retainers can take the form of clasps or other precision attachments, which are meant to secure the removable partial denture to the surrounding natural teeth.
- Denture connectors join all parts of the dentures together, either directly or indirectly. Such connectors may take a variety of shapes and forms, including palatal/lingual bar, palatal/lingual plate, U-shaped connector, and more.
- Occlusal rests. Finally, an occlusal rest is any denture component that provides vertical support to the entire denture structure. An occlusal rest takes the form of a rigid extension of the denture, which is placed in rest seats in order to hold the partial securely.
Removable Partial Denture Design: Custom Made Just for You
With whichever option you choose, you can rest assured knowing that our industry professionals are making your prosthetic appliance from the best materials available. Our process involves a series of steps that allow us to ensure that the final product is one that will look and feel great, as well as last as long as it’s intended to.
The area of your partial that goes on the roof of the mouth, or against your tongue (on the lower) is made from a custom mold of your mouth to help ensure a snug and precise fit. Then any acrylic base is available in different colors and we’ll mimic your natural gum tissue color as best as possible. When selecting which teeth to use, our denture specialists choose a set that coordinates with the shade, size, and shape of your current smile.
Functionality is also crucial in making a good partial. We register the way you bite your existing teeth together to replicate that pattern in the alignment of the new partial teeth.
The Benefits of Denture Partials
Affordable
Partial dentures are cheaper than other forms of tooth replacement.
Minimally-invasive
Partials are a less invasive procedure than dental implants and bridges and are a great option for those who may not qualify for such procedures due to health issues.
Adjustable
Functional
Partials can improve your ability to chew your food and even how you speak.
Natural-looking
Easy to wear
Space maintainers
Types of Removable Partial Dentures
A flipper is a small and very cheap appliance that is made entirely from acrylic. It’s meant to be used as a temporary device. For example, it’s a good option to wear if you’re undergoing a process like getting dental implants (which is a treatment that gives our patients a more permanent tooth replacement solution but takes quite a while to complete.)
Flippers work well for short periods of time and can hold a small number of teeth. Denture adhesive may have to be used in order to keep it in place. Some lucky people can eat with it but others may have to remove it so that it doesn’t get in the way (like an orthodontic retainer.)
This prosthetic appliance is affordable and works great for our patients who are missing a few teeth. Most people find them to be fairly comfortable. However, they’re only made of acrylic which can break more easily. While they can be repaired, once they are, acrylic partials may be more prone to breaking again.
Such partials are held in place by small metal hooks (known as clasps) that hug your adjacent teeth. Depending on how it was made, our denturists may or may not be able to add additional teeth to this type of partial if the need ever arises.
If you’re missing several teeth or have a strong bite, then you should consider getting a metal framework partial. This is the longest-lasting and highest quality/best partial available.
This appliance consists of a custom-made metal framework where the area that sits on the roof of your mouth is made of strong metal. For a lower partial, the metal framework is found on the inside, along the tongue.
The metal doesn’t show, but it’s what makes this device the most durable option available. Patients who have metal framework partials can enjoy them for many years.
Along with the framework holding the partial in place, this appliance uses clasps as the acrylic partial does, to ensure a snug fit. Denture adhesive isn’t needed. There’s nothing worse than your partial slipping out when you’re having a conversation with someone!
This option is also great for patients who want to slowly transition to a full denture. Metal framework partials allow us to add teeth to them as necessary. So if you’re faced with needing another extraction, our denturists can add another tooth to your partial for you. We even offer this service while you wait, so you don’t have to be seen without teeth.
Types of Removable Partial Dentures
Removable Dentures
- Removable dentures are used to replace missing teeth.
- They restore chewing, speaking, and appearance.
- Removable dentures do not last forever: as the jaw shape changes, dentures need to be replaced.
- Removable dentures should be worn during the day and stored in denture solution or water overnight.
- While wearing removable partial dentures, Toronto patients need to avoid certain types of foods.
Fixed Dentures
- Fixed dentures are used to replace missing teeth.
- They restore chewing, speaking, appearance, and overall function.
- Fixed dentures are supported by dental implants, which help to prevent bone loss over time. This means that fixed dentures will fit a lifetime for most patients.
- Fixed dentures have function and strength similar to natural teeth.
- Fixed denture patients are able to eat everything as if they had natural teeth.
Are You Unhappy with Your Current Removable Dentures?
Removable Partial Dentures FAQ
How Long Do Removable Partial Dentures Last?
The lifespan of removable partial dentures can vary from patient to patient, depending on the patient’s oral hygiene, oral anatomy changes, and the denture type and material. With proper maintenance, partial dentures will serve you well for five to ten years.
What Are the Problems with Removable Partial Dentures?
Because partial removable dentures use natural teeth as support, they can increase the build-up of plaque around these abutment teeth. If not cleaned properly, the plaque may lead to tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, abutment teeth or gums may experience physical trauma due to the pressure or movement of the partial.
Luckily, maintaining great oral hygiene and getting a properly fitted denture from an experienced denture professional like Dentures Direct Implant Denture Clinic in Toronto can help to prevent or minimize these problems.
Can You Eat with Removable Partial Dentures?
Can You Sleep with Partials in Your Mouth?
Just like with full dentures, it is recommended to take your partial dentures out before going to bed. Doing so will help to prevent a build-up of bacteria and allow your gums to rest.
Does Food Get Stuck Under Partial Dentures?
While full and partial dentures help to restore normal chewing functionality, it is common for food particles to get trapped between the denture and the underlying gum, leading to discomfort and irritation. To prevent the issue, we recommend using a specialized denture adhesive that forms a seal between the denture and your gum.
Will the Dentures Change How I Speak?
After receiving a new partial denture, it is normal to have difficulty saying certain words or sounds, depending on what teeth the denture is replacing. However, after the adjustment period and some practice, you should be able to speak more confidently.
What OurPatients Say We Have a 4.9 Rating on Google
See the Denture Direct Difference
