What Are Partial Dentures and What Do They Look Like?

partial dentures types

Partial dentures are removable but natural looking dental appliances that help restore full function to your mouth by replacing one or several missing teeth. These are a good option for those looking to improve their ability to chew food as well as improve the aesthetics of their smile.

These also play an important role in maintaining a healthy bite. When you are missing one or several teeth, the bite pressure shifts in your mouth. Other teeth start moving to compensate for the gap in your bite. This can lead to a loss of supporting tissue and bone near your missing teeth.

Partial vs Full Dentures

Dentures have long been one of the most popular solutions to replacing missing teeth. Made from a hard resin, dentures are custom-designed to fit your mouth and blend in visually with your existing teeth. Whether you need partial or full dentures is all about how many teeth are missing.

Partial dentures are appropriate for when you still have several or healthier teeth remaining in your upper or lower jaw. Meanwhile, full dentures are better suited to people looking to replace all or nearly all their missing upper or lower teeth.

What Are The Different Types of Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are usually made from a combination of metal and acrylic. This enables them to look natural while having the strength to chew foods like natural teeth can. Some partial dentures are made entirely from acrylic. Replacement teeth are attached to a pink or gum coloured base which is sometimes connected by a metal framework that keeps the denture in place in the mouth.

There are a couple of different types of partial dentures. A fixed bridge replaces one or several teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This bridge is then cemented into place. A precision partial denture is removable and uses internal attachments to attach to adjacent crowns rather than clasps. This tends to achieve a more natural look.

What Are The Benefits of Partial Dentures

As discussed, missing teeth can cause a loss of bone and tissue. This changes your physical appearance and can lead to problems with other teeth. A partial denture keeps the underlying structures of your mouth healthy. This includes preventing your teeth from shifting and keeping your gums, jawbone and facial muscles active and engaged.

Another treatment option for one or more missing teeth are dental implants. Partial dentures are attractive because they are a less expensive and less invasive option compared to implants. While they require a bit of maintenance, they do an excellent job or restoring and maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile.

Do You Need Partial or Full Dentures?

At Emergency Denture Repairs, our experienced team provides a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry to clients in Perth including providing full or partial dentures. We believe everyone deserves to smile with confidence as well as speak and eat with ease. That’s why we’re committed to providing excellence in dentistry.

We accept all major health funds and have six convenient clinics throughout Perth as well as a mobile service. Call (08) 9382 2222, book an appointment online or find your closest location.

Request your complimentary implant consultation now