What Are Removable Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of a base made of either acrylic or metal, which is colored to match the patient’s gums, and replacement teeth attached to the base.
A metal framework is often used for its strength, precise fit, and improved chewing efficiency. Denture teeth are set into the acrylic baseplate or attached to the metal framework. Partial removable dentures can be attached to the remaining teeth using clasps, which help to keep the denture in place.
Benefits of Partial Dentures
Partial dentures offer patients several benefits, including:
- Aesthetics: Removable partial dentures help restore a more natural-looking smile by replacing missing teeth.
- Functionality: Partial dentures improve the individual’s ability to chew food properly, aiding digestion and nutritional absorption. They also restore the ability to speak more clearly, especially if the missing teeth previously affected pronunciation.
- Facial Support: Teeth provide support to the facial muscles. Missing teeth can lead to sagging of the facial muscles, making an individual appear older. A removable partial denture provides necessary support, maintaining the natural shape of the face.
- Affordable: In many cases, partial dentures can be more affordable than other tooth replacement options like dental implants or fixed bridges.
- Support for Remaining Natural Teeth: Partial dentures utilize the remaining natural teeth for support, preventing them from shifting.
- Oral Health: Replacing missing teeth is crucial for maintaining appearance, preventing strain on surrounding teeth, and avoiding oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
The Partial Denture Process
Receiving partial dentures is a non-invasive process. You can expect the following:
- Consultation and Exam: You’ll first start with an initial consultation and exam with our De Pere, WI dentist. He’ll evaluate your oral health to determine if partial dentures suit your needs. We may also take dental X-rays or impressions of your teeth to create a model of your mouth.
- Preparation: If necessary, we may need to prepare your remaining teeth for partial dentures. This may include reshaping them or filling in cavities.
- Trial Fitting: Our dentist will create trial dentures made of wax or plastic. This allows you to see how the denture will fit and feel in your mouth. Adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable fit if needed.
- Final Fitting: Your finalized denture will be created after the trial one is approved. It may take a few weeks for the partial denture to be made. When it’s ready, our dentist will fit the dentures into your mouth, making any final adjustments. It is advised to avoid chewing gum to ensure the proper fit and avoid discomfort.
- Follow-Up: Dr. Yenchesky will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure that your dentures are fitting right and not causing problems. If a denture breaks, cracks, or chips, contact your dentist immediately for adjustments or repairs. Regular check-ups are essential to examine the fit and for signs of oral diseases.
How to Care for Partial Dentures with Denture Cleaner
Proper care keeps your partial dentures looking and feeling fresh while supporting oral health. We recommend you do the following:
- Handle With Care: Always hold your dentures gently to avoid dropping them. Using a folded towel or basin filled with water while cleaning can act as a cushion in case they slip.
- Rinse After Eating: After meals, remove and rinse the dentures to get rid of any food particles.
- Brush Daily: Use a soft denture brush to clean every surface of the denture daily. Avoid using regular toothpaste as it might be too abrasive.
- Use a Denture Cleaner: Opt for non-abrasive denture cleaners. Avoid using bleach-containing products as they can weaken the dentures and alter their color. Always ensure the product is compatible with your type of denture.
- Keep Them Moist: Most removable partial dentures need moisture to maintain their shape. When not in use, place them in a denture-soaking solution or plain water.
- Use Denture Cleansers for Storage: During nighttime, store your dentures in denture cleansers to keep them disinfected and free from plaque and stains.
- Regular Dental Visits: Just like your natural teeth, dentures require professional maintenance. Visit our dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning and to check for any adjustments or repairs.
Partial Dentures Candidacy
Factors to consider when determining candidacy for partial dentures include:
- Oral health: Candidates for partial dentures should have good oral health and healthy gums. If gum disease or other oral health issues are present, they should be addressed before considering partial denture treatment.
- Number of missing teeth: Partial dentures are designed to replace one or more missing teeth. If a person has lost a significant number of teeth, full dentures or implant-supported dentures may be a better option. Complete dentures are another alternative for individuals who have lost all their teeth.
- Remaining teeth: There must be enough healthy remaining teeth to support the partial denture. The remaining teeth must also be strong enough to withstand the pressure of the dental restoration.
- Jawbone density: The jawbone must have sufficient density to support the partial denture. If the jawbone has deteriorated significantly, bone grafting or other procedures may be necessary before partial dentures can be considered.
- Patient’s ability to maintain oral hygiene: Partial dentures require proper cleaning and maintenance to prevent decay and gum disease. Patients must be able to maintain good oral hygiene practices to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of their partial dentures.
To see if partial dentures are right for your oral health needs, contact our De Pere, WI dentist today at (920) 336-4201 to schedule a consultation.
Partial Denture Cost
While costs vary from patient to patient, partial dentures typically cost between $1,000 to $2,000. The following factors will influence how much your partial dentures will cost:
- Location: For example, dental care might be more expensive in urban areas compared to rural ones.
- Material: There are different types of materials used for partial dentures such as acrylic, metal, flexible (like Valplast), or a combination. Metal frameworks are usually more expensive than acrylic ones. Acrylic partial dentures are often more affordable, with costs typically ranging from $300 to $500.
- Dentist’s Experience and Reputation: A well-known dentist with a lot of experience may charge more than someone just starting.
- Complexity of the Case: If the case is more complex and requires more adjustments or additional procedures, the cost may increase.
- Additional Treatments: Sometimes additional treatments or procedures, like tooth extractions or fillings, are needed in conjunction with the partial denture. This can add to the total cost.
- Dental Insurance: If you have dental insurance, it may cover some or all of the cost of partial dentures. Check with your provider for details.
