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If you find that your missing tooth or teeth are impairing your ability to eat or smile, then you might want to consider getting a partial denture. Although an attractive prospect, the cost that comes with it is not quite enticing to many consumers. If you do have the money, though, then knowing which partial denture to get is essential. Your dentist can also give you recommendations on which type of denture to take.
Here's what you need to know about the different types of partial dentures to make the right decision:
Removable Dentures
Among the removable dentures category, there are three types of dentures: flippers, cast metal dentures, and flexible dentures.
Flippers, also known as acrylic removable partial dentures, use a pink acrylic base to hold the set of replacement teeth in place and are held in place by attaching itself to the surrounding teeth.
In most cases, this acrylic base can get quite bulky to keep the teeth in place. Although it gets the job done, most people find it annoying to use just because of how cumbersome the fixture is. However, flippers are meant to be used temporarily until a more permanent solution is created. But, if you can stand it, you will have no problem using it for many years.
On the other hand, cast metal removable partial dentures are the better version of flippers in terms of comfortability and aesthetics. Unlike flippers, this device uses cast metal to hold a set of replacement teeth. However, if you want something that looks a little better, then a precision attachment can help with the aesthetics department. This fixture is durable and will last for many years to come if well-maintained.
Finally, flexible partial dentures are like the middle ground of the two types of removable dentures mentioned above. These fixtures look real and are very flexible, making it comfortable and durable. Although they're still meant to be temporary, it will last for many years if kept in good condition.
Fixed Dentures
Fixed dentures are unremovable dentures that include fixed bridges and implant-supported fixed bridges.
If your mouth has a few gaps due to missing teeth but still has healthy teeth at either end of the gap, a fixed bridge can take its place. Unlike its removable counterparts, fixed bridges will stay in your mouth 24/7.
In that sense, you treat them as you would normal teeth. You brush them normally and floss them regularly. Although this may seem like a perfect solution, there's a catch. Fixed bridges are held in place by the crowns of both teeth at either end. Those healthy teeth on either side must be ground down, and a replacement crown is added and attached to the replacement teeth to keep the entire fixture in place. In essence, you're pretty much replacing two healthy teeth to replace two or more missing teeth in between.
In a case where a fixed bridge cannot be used, or you do not want to harm your healthy teeth, an implant-supported fixed bridge is your only option. This kind of fixture is implanted into your gums using titanium that is gum-friendly. In essence, the titanium bit acts as a root of your tooth, keeping the replacement tooth in place permanently.
Because of how it works, you can replace all your teeth with this kind of implant, removing the need for dentures. Of course, the downside to this is the cost, but it'll be a one-time investment as the implant-supported fixtures are designed to last an entire lifetime.
In conclusion, there isn't one best solution, and in the end, it is entirely up to you. Work with your doctor on the best solution that meets your goals and stays within the constraints of your budget.
If you’re looking to get the right dentures for you, get in touch with the local dentist in Ypsilanti Mi to see how we can help.
