The Partial Denture

You should always be encouraged to keep as many of your natural teeth as possible. No artificial appliance, such as a denture, can function or be as comfortable as your own teeth. When it is inevitable that you will lose some, but not all of your teeth, you may consider a removable partial denture.

Design of the partial denture

The partial denture is constructed for specific missing teeth. Its design depends upon the number and location of missing teeth. In fact, there are as many as 15,000 different partial denture designs for either the lower denture or the upper denture.

Artificial teeth, usually plastic and rarely porcelain, are attached to a tissue-colored plastic base which in turn is connected to a metal framework. This framework is usually made of a cobalt and chromium alloy and has names such as Vitallium, Wironium, Wironit, Niranium, and Nobilium, to name a few.

The partial denture hooks to your natural teeth with the aid of metal clasps. This ensures the partial is fastened firmly in place while in your mouth. Your remaining natural teeth will act as a support structure for the partial denture to snap on to.

The partial denture’s hidden benefit

A partial denture gets most of its support from your remaining teeth and gums. For this reason, it’s important that you keep as many of your own teeth as possible. The two main reasons for wearing a partial are to enhance your appearance and to allow you to properly chew your food. The “hidden” benefit for wearing it has to do with your natural teeth. A partial reduces the strain that would otherwise be placed on your remaining teeth, particularly those next to the ones that were extracted. Without a partial, these teeth could slide into the gap left by the missing teeth, altering the way the upper and lower teeth come together. This drifting of the teeth can result in your natural teeth becoming crooked. So, one of the important functions of a partial is to secure your remaining, natural teeth and prevent them from moving.

Tips for the partial denture wearer

• Before your denturist makes your partial denture, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist to make sure your remaining, natural teeth can properly support the partial denture. An x-ray will determine the structure of your roots, teeth, and bone. Occasionally, your dentist will need to make small indentations in your teeth where the partial denture will rest.
  
  
• Because the artificial teeth of your partial denture sit next to your natural teeth, it is important that tooth colors match as closely as possible.
  
  
• The partial denture may feel awkward for the first few weeks, but with a little practice you will be eating normally. At first, eat soft foods and foods that have been cut into small pieces. Gradually, you will be able to eat most any food.
  
  
• Get used to speaking with new dentures by practising speaking and reading out loud. You will learn to speak comfortably within a few days.
  
  
• Insert and remove your partial in front of a mirror for practice. Remember that you should never force the partial or bite down to try to get it in place.