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In the past, dentures were the only way to replace missing teeth. More successful options of a bridge or dental implant just weren’t available. Some people had all their teeth removed and full dentures made – these replace all missing teeth. There are now few people for whom full dentures are the best option.
Partial dentures are relatively inexpensive, and can usually be manufactured within several weeks over a number of short appointments.
However as most people who have partial dentures will tell you, they can be very challenging to wear.
Partial dentures consist of:
- Either a chrome (metal) or acrylic (plastic) base
- A porcelain or acrylic tooth/teeth
- Metal clasps which attach to your existing teeth to hold the denture in place
The denture, unlike a bridge or dental implant, is removable. It can impair speech, causes ulcers and soft tissue inflammation, and generally have mobility when talking or eating. The biggest disadvantage of a partial denture is the damage it can do to your remaining healthy teeth. The clasps of the denture can trap plaque and bacteria on the surfaces of your remaining teeth, leading to infection and decay. What usually begins as a one-tooth partial denture can grow into a multiple-tooth partial denture or even full denture.
If you are missing a tooth that is highly visible in your smile, a partial denture can provide a reasonable short term solution. Some people choose to wear a partial denture for 3-6 months until they are ready to have their bridge or dental implant.
A partial denture should only ever be chosen for aesthetic reasons, not functional ones.
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