Partials and Partial Dentures

Partial dentures allow replacement of multiple teeth all at once. They can be made for the lower, upper or both jaws. They are used throughout the day while eating food, talking and doing other daily activities. At night time, the partial denture is removed so that the gums that they rest on can breathe.
A traditional partial denture Partials are usually held in place by means of small clasps around certain teeth in the mouth. The bottom of the partial is resting on the gums, so it’s important to take out the partial at night time to allow the gums to breathe.

With today's technologies, it is possible to make partial dentures out of metals, acrylics, a special plastic or a combination of all.
A partial denture with non metal base Partial dentures are an economical alternative to bridges and implants when it comes time to replace multiple missing teeth on a budget. At times, a partial denture is used on a temporary basis while for example the implants which are placed are healing.

Some of the advantages of removable partial dentures are:
-replacement of multiple missing teeth at once
-being able to build the proper facial support so as not have an aged appearance
-preventing other teeth from shifting into where the teeth are missing
-relatively quick turnaround time (-1-2 months)
-minimal modification and preparation of the existing teeth

Some of the disadvantages of removable partial dentures are:
-irritation to the gums
-irritation and trauma to adjacent teeth
-loosening of the clasps
-eventual damage and potential loss of the teeth with clasps around them
-inability to eat certain kinds of foods
-possibility of biting tongue or cheeks

Removable partial dentures have been around for many hundreds of years. Their use is somewhat limited, but they offer a simple solution to the problem of many missing teeth.