Your Guide To Partial Dentures

Dentures have long since been a reliable and affordable solution for missing teeth. If you have one or more missing teeth and some natural teeth remaining, partial dentures are an alternative that may be perfect for you. Here’s a little guide on partial dentures and what you can expect from this treatment:

What are partial dentures

When you are missing a full arch of teeth, our dentist will recommend a complete or full denture but we also offer removable partial dentures if you have just a few teeth missing in your lower or upper jaw. Partials will have a plate with one or more artificial teeth attached and this denture can be made out of metal or a combination of metal and plastic.

Types of partial dentures

You can choose between plastic prostheses or metal for your partial dentures. A metal partial denture is one of the more common types of dentures, known to be a good permanent solution that can last many years with the right care. These provide a more supportive fit as metal dentures often have clasps to keep them in place and can be more accurately contoured to your mouth.  Acrylic partial dentures are the ideal temporary solution for when your metal dentures are being fabricated. Flexible partial dentures are yet another type of dentures available. These are often the ideal choice for patients who are allergic or sensitive to metal/acrylic dentures. Made out of thin plastic, these dentures are more flexible (as the name suggests) and often offer improved comfort since they stick to your gums without the use of clasps. On the downside, denture relines are more difficult and in most cases, this denture will have to be made anew if any damage occurs.

Caring for your partial dentures

Maintaining your partial dentures is as simple as it gets. It’s important to always store your denture overnight to stop it from drying out or becoming brittle. To keep them clean, make sure to rinse your partial denture after eating and use denture cleaner each day to remove food debris and plaque. Rinse your denture well before placing it back in your mouth. It’s best to come in for regular checkups as well to ensure your dentures are securely fitted in your mouth and undamaged. 

Want more information on partial dentures? Schedule a consultation with our experienced team at Purity Dental and we’ll help you decide if this option is the best fit for you! Simply call (03) 9540 8900 today.