All Information You Want About Partial Dentures

We, at Iqaluit Dental Clinic, believe that partial dentures can help you restore a missing tooth that you have lost due to an injury, cavity, tooth extraction, or any other reason. As long as you have healthy teeth remaining in the upper or lower parts of your teeth, partial dentures can help to restore your bite and smile.

However, it is important to learn a few crucial pieces of information before you opt to get a partial denture. In this article, we will discuss the different types of partial dentures, how to choose the correct partial denture for yourself, and other factors.

What are partial dentures and when do you need them?

Partial dentures are removable dentures that are used to replace multiple lost teeth in the lower or top portion of your jaw. These are more than cosmetic products since they also help you to speak and chew better. Plus, partial dentures preserve the remaining teeth in your mouth which can, otherwise, shift over the period.

Generally, your dentist will first examine the remaining teeth in your mouth and ensure they are in good condition before recommending partial dentures. If the remaining teeth are unhealthy and filled with decay or cavities, they have to be removed and you have to install full dentures instead of partial ones.

Partial dentures need to be removed at night and you have to clean them to keep them in good condition. Keeping your partial dentures clean will also help to prevent tooth decay and cavities in the adjacent teeth.

What are the materials used to create partial dentures

Generally, the base of the partial dentures can be created using metal (a mixture of chromium and cobalt) or plastic (resin). Some partial dentures can also be made with titanium, but they are known to cause inflammatory reactions in certain people.

Plastic or polymer-based particle dentures are easy to make and repair, offer a more desirable aesthetic, and are also lightweight and flexible. However, partial dentures with metal bases are more durable.

You can also opt for flexible dentures that are made from thin and lightweight thermoplastics which don’t have any visible metal clips. Unfortunately, they are bulkier than their metal counterparts. And, you have to warm the flexible dentures in water for about a minute before putting them inside your mouth. This helps to improve the fit inside your mouth

The factors you need to consider before getting partial dentures

Many people have no idea whether they should choose to install partial dentures, full dentures, or any other alternative to replace their missing teeth. Let’s take a look at some factors that will help you to decide better:

1. The number of missing teeth – Generally, if you have a lot of missing teeth in your mouth but the remaining teeth are all in healthy condition, your dentist will recommend you choose partial dentures over full dentures. However, if the remaining teeth are not in good condition or if you don’t want to install partial dentures, your dentist will remove the remaining teeth to install full dentures in your mouth.

If you only have a few missing teeth, especially on one side of your mouth, bridges are a good alternative. They are also a permanent solution since they are permanently glued in and non-removable, unlike partial dentures.

2. Temporary vs permanent – Your gums need some time to heal after tooth extraction. Thus, if you need to have a damaged or decayed tooth extracted by the dentist before getting partial dentures, you have to settle for a temporary option to allow the gums to heal.

Once your gums heal, which usually takes about 6 months, your dentist can craft permanent partial dentures.

3. Aesthetics and visibility – Partial dentures are fitted with clasps or precision attachments. Clasp attachments are cheaper than precision attachments, but the metal can be visible when you smile depending on where they are installed in your mouth.

Precision attachments are customized by dentists to improve the aesthetic and reduce visibility. However, they cost more due to the extra work involved.

4. The location of missing teeth – According to a 2017 study, people usually reported the greatest level of satisfaction when they had partial dentures installed in the front (anterior) portion of their teeth.

It is believed that replacing the damaged or missing front teeth can allow you to improve your smile and bite into foods more easily. However, when partial dentures are installed in the back (posterior) portion of your mouth, it aids in eating and speaking which also improves satisfaction.

How much do partial dentures cost?

Most dental insurance only covers 50 percent or a flat rate of the cost of dentures if you are eligible for it and depending on the plan. Traditionally, Original Medicare doesn’t pay for partial dentures. In certain instances, you can receive a portion of your partial dentures cost if you have a Medicare Advantage plan.

And the coverage offered by Medicaid will vary depending on the state. Thus, it is important to discuss the details with your dentist before you opt for getting partial dentures. The cost of partial dentures will vary depending on the following factors:

• The location they need to be installed in your mouth
• The type of material used to create it
• The method of creating the denture
• The number of teeth that need to be replaced.

According to the national fee survey conducted by the American Dental Association in 2016, here is a list of the cost of partial dentures on average:

• Upper partial dentures with resin saddles and a cast metal base – $1,685
• Upper flexible dentures – $1,444
• Upper partial dentures with a resin base – $1,215

Conclusion

We, at Iqaluit Dental Clinic, suggest you thoroughly discuss the details with your prosthodontist before getting partial dentures. Your dentist will check the anatomy of your mouth including the hard and soft palate, your cosmetic goals, and the fit of your remaining teeth before creating partial dentures. However, it is also important to discuss important details with them such as whether you have any allergies to metal or acrylic, the cost of the products, and the aesthetic value to make a suitable decision.