Which Type of Partial Denture is Right for You?

If your first thought was – “There’s more than one kind?” – this might be just the guide for you. Dentists usually recommend partial dentures if a patient has lost three or more teeth in a row, or if the patient has a single healthy tooth surrounded by gaps of varying sizes. However, the type, design, fit, and longevity of your partial denture depend on two primary factors you and your dentist will consider together:

1. What are your goals for treatment?

Yes, replacing your missing teeth is the goal of wearing a partial denture, but what specific qualities do you want your new dental prosthesis to have? Do you want a removable or permanent appliance? What level of realism or esthetics do you want to achieve? Is your ability to chew a wider range of foods a concern?

2. Cost

Successfully reconciling your treatment goals to your budgetary needs will help you feel like you’ve made the best decision possible. While you may want to go for the best, most expensive treatment, a less costly treatment option may work just as well. Your dentist and his assisting staff will help you determine your budget and figure out whether insurance or financing can help make treatment more affordable.

Types of Partial Dentures

Partial dentures, regardless of type, are created in specialized dental prosthetics labs (although dentists who specialize in prosthetics – prosthodontists – usually have a smaller lab on-site). Most partial dentures are created using manual techniques, like casting wax models, and machine-assisted techniques, like injection molding. A few of the most common types of partial dentures include:

Cast Metal Partial Denture

Made of a metal framework to which artificial gums and teeth are added, cast metal partials provide a close fit and high strength in terms of longevity and chewing ability.

Flexible Partials

Made from highly realistic denture teeth and a translucent, gum-colored base that attaches to the neighboring natural teeth, flexible partials are convenient, comfortable, easy to adjust, and offer high esthetics but lower chewing ability.

Dental Implant Retained Partials

Depending on which dentist you talk to, these permanent partials could be called “implant bridges” or “fixed bridges.” No matter what you call them, they use titanium implant posts secured within the jaw to support highly realistic replacement teeth. Implant partials provide better structural stability, improved chewing ability, high esthetics, and the longest-lasting teeth replacement option available.

About Dr. Mark Miller

At Snow Park Dental, Dr. Miller provides the preventive and restorative dental care you need to help you enjoy optimal oral health. Contact us today at (505) 596-4479 to schedule a consultation or appointment at our Albuquerque dentist’s office. We proudly serve families from Rio Rancho, Corrales, Edgewood, Tijeras, Los Lunas, and surrounding communities.

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