Types of Partial Dentures, Costs & Pros and Cons of Each

 

When you have lost your teeth, there are some tooth replacement options that can offer a cosmetic look and an improved smile. Partial dentures are one of those great choices that are designed to replace partially missing teeth. Therefore, if you have lost several teeth or still have some healthy teeth remaining in your mouth, partial dentures can provide you with the tooth replacement that you want.

Partial dentures come in different forms. Although the dentist will recommend the best option after careful evaluation, patients have the final choice as the wearer. Some of the common types of partials include:

Removable partial dentures (RPD) have been in use in dentistry for years to fill the gaps of missing teeth.

A removable partial denture uses metallic clasps or retainers around the remaining natural teeth next to the missing area for the retention of the dentures. These natural teeth are called abutments and dentists prepare the adjacent abutment in advance to retain your partial denture.

Removable partials have a gum-colored acrylic resin base that seats on your gum bone spur pictures. On top of this acrylic base, artificial teeth are attached depending on the number of teeth that are missing. As the name suggests, removable partial dentures can be removed by yourself. The most common designs are:

Cast metal partial denture

Cast metal partial denture is the most common removable partial denture. It consists of a major connector and minor connectors and also a soft gum-colored acrylic resin base.

The major connector is the metal framework that acts as a foundation for your partial denture. It is made of chromium cobalt or other alloys like titanium. The minor connectors are other metal parts that twist around your adjacent teeth. The minor connector consists of retainers, clasps, rests, and metal bars that are used for maximum stability and retention. After preparing the framework, now comes the acrylic resin base. It wraps around some part of the framework to avoid soft tissue irritation and attach artificial teeth on top.

Advantages:

  • Maximum stability and retention
  • Tough and rigid against breakage
  • Used widely to replace as many teeth that a partial denture can hold

Disadvantages:

  • More metal visibility and may not be as esthetic
  • Not favored by those who are allergic to metal or feel uncomfortable with metal contact in their mouth

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