Partial Dentures

San Diego, La Jolla and Poway

Dentures (commonly referred to as false teeth) are created to replace teeth you have lost. Dentures are typically made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals, and come in two types: complete, which replace all teeth; and partial, which fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from changing position.

 

Partials

If you are missing just a few teeth over your upper or lower arch, or if you have at least two teeth on both sides of your arch, the best option for you may be a removable partial denture (RPD).

There are several types of RPDs, all of which use a standard plastic denture tooth to fill the gap of a missing natural tooth. The differences between these RPDs are the materials used.

  • Cast Metal RPDs
    Removable partial dentures with cast metal frameworks are one of the oldest forms of dentistry. These RPDs are cast to fit your tooth, providing extreme stability and retentiveness and are made of hammered silver. Your teeth will be slightly altered beforehand so the partial can rest on them without interfering with your bite.
  • Flippers
    Known as a "flipper," this is the least expensive of all RPDs and a much simpler device. With this partial, an acrylic tooth is fastened to an acrylic plate and metal clips may be formed to help hold it in place. However, a dental flipper isn't secured very tightly, and it should be removed for eating. The main advantage of a flipper is that new teeth and a new denture base can easily be added. Although they are considered a temporary solution, many people keep flippers for many years because as long as it is properly maintained, it looks as good as many other, more costly alternatives.

Technological Advances

Advances in dental technology have resulted in many great improvements to dentures and partial dentures. It is, however, the best choice to keep your teeth or at least some of them if possible. For example, if you have lost a majority of your bottom teeth, and you want to pull the remaining one or two, you will have nothing to anchor the bottom denture to while you chew.

A successful denture can still be made, but it is not as effective. Like other types of dental work, proper care, oral hygiene and judgment will result in a denture that functions optimally and looks and feels like your natural tooth.

Dentures Feel Differently Than Your Real Teeth

Both dentures and partial dentures are more natural looking and more comfortable than they once were. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this dental wear will still feel strange when you first put them in. Dr. Paul Coleman at the Coleman Center for Cosmetic Dentistry may want to see you more often at the beginning to make sure that your dentures or partial dentures fit as they should.

Talking and eating will feel odd with dentures. However, you will get used to the feeling in time. Exercise caution when wearing dentures as they can make it harder for you to feel hot foods and liquids.

To learn more about how dentures may solve your dental problems, please contact Dr. Coleman in Poway, California today to schedule your first appointment.

 

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