Partial Dentures
A partial denture is used when some of your teeth are missing from either the upper or lower arch. One restoration replaces 1 or more missing teeth improving your chewing efficiency and often your smile. We offer both cast partial dentures and Valplast partial dentures.
Why would I need partial dentures?
If you are missing one or more teeth and cannot get either a tooth-supported bridge or a dental implant then a partial denture is for you. Partial dentures can be made from many different materials. Some partial dentures often called a “flipper” are only meant for esthetics, not to be chewed on. These are really just temporary fixes, although many offices sell them as the final partial denture. Our final partial dentures are designed to last for years of functional chewing. We offer long-term full acrylic and metal-acrylic options so that you can customize your treatment to your needs.
We offer two types of partial dentures:
Cast partial dentures that have a custom made metal base that adapts to your teeth and gums. This is the strongest type of partial denture and it is also the only type of partial denture that is indicated for use with dental implants. You can chew the most effectively with a cast partial denture and you can often add teeth to them if additional teeth are lost. They are the most expensive type of partial denture.
Valplast partial dentures are all-acrylic partial dentures made of a thermoplastic (heat activated) materials so they can adapt more snuggly to your teeth. They are more esthetic because they do not have metal clasps. They are also often referred to as the most comfortable partial dentures. They can be trickier to repair than cast partial dentures but they are also less expensive to make.
What maintenance do partial dentures require?
Partial dentures are susceptible to fractures. Clasps can break or bend and denture teeth may pop loose. The need for adjustments is common. As your mouth changes shape from bone loss, weight loss, or weight gain you may need the inside of the partial denture refitted to your gums. This is a reline. Partial dentures also benefit from deep cleanings. All of this is covered with our membership plans. Getting your remaining teeth cleaned regularly is very important to maintaining the proper function of your partial denture. These cleanings are discounted with your membership plan to keep your mouth healthy.
