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Restorative Treatment: Removable Partial Dentures
Our Restorative Treatment services include:
Click on one of the linked procedures to read more about our specific services.
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A Removable Partial Denture is a dental appliance (prosthesis) that replaces one or more teeth, but not all teeth in either the upper or lower arch and is not fixed or cemented into place, that is, the patient can remove the appliance “at will”. The Partial denture accomplishes multiple objectives for the patient, namely it fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting or super erupting, enhances chewing function, restores occlusion and balances chewing forces, prevents un-natural wear of the natural teeth, reduces or eliminates speech impairment, all while filling the space or spaces where the original natural tooth or teeth had been lost. A removable partial denture (partial) might also be a replacement of a previously worn fixed partial denture. There are several types of removable partial dentures in regards to both materials from which they are fabricated as well as the partial design configuration. The most popular materials today from which partial dentures are fabricated from are: a) Cast Metal Partials with Acrylic Resin, b) Acrylic Resin Based Partial, and c) Flexible Denture Based Resin. All are fairly similar in design configuration, but each material offers the patient a different dimension. For example, Cast Partials might have superior strength, but Flexible Partials offer superior comfort and aesthetics. Acrylic Partials offer some strength and aesthetics, but their greatest asset might be that they are basic and financially friendly. In the last few years, with the advent of biocompatible nylon thermoplastic resin, Flexible partials are beginning to predominate the dental industry in partial denture popularity. The flexible nature of the resin material makes a better and stronger appliance in a shorter amount of patient appointment time. It also is unique in that traditional metal partials have noticeable, unattractive metal clasps across the front surface of the natural teeth, while the Flexible partial’s resin blends with the natural color of the tissue providing virtually invisible support and a more pleasing smile. Patients have come to recognize the value of a Flexible Partials more aesthetic and natural look and appreciate it’s added comfort.
Removable partial denture fabrication may require anywhere from two visits for a Flexible or Acrylic Resin Based Partial up to five visits for a Cast Metal Partial. In all cases, impressions and meticulous measurements regarding tooth size, shape, and shade as well as arch form and configuration are taken at the first dental appointment and depending on the Partial Denture design and material selected, the case will proceed to completion at the second visit, or in the case of a Cast Partial, proceed to metal framework try-in, followed by Wax try-in, and ultimately final try-in and delivery. In all materials and designs, Partial Dentures in general are extremely durable, but like all dental restorations, they may have to be remade, repaired or re-adjusted due to normal wear.