Reasons to Choose a Removable Partial Denture

Dentures are specially designed substitutes provided for patients who are missing more than a tooth. They can be removed and replaced into the mouth easily, although it is advisable to exercise caution during the process.

One common issue many patients have with dentures is how long it takes to get familiar with having them and the fact that they are never going to give the same feeling or effects of natural, healthy teeth. With recent advancements in dental restorations, dentures are now comfortable and can have a similar appearance to healthy teeth.

What are partial dentures?

If you have one or more missing teeth, the dentist will typically present you with three tooth replacement options: dental implants, fixed bridges and removable partial dentures (RPDs). To an extent, depending on the dentist’s expertise, these three options should restore the normal functions of the tooth: chewing and speech, preventing other teeth from shifting and enhancing the appearance of your smile.

Since they can be removed without aid from a dentist or dental expert, partial dentures are called removable dentures. They should be distinguished from full dentures, which are made as a replacement when the entire teeth set is lost.

Why does this all matter?

Depending on your preferences and requirements, RPDs may be an excellent choice, either as a lasting solution or as a short-term option. In this article, we focus on the different types of RPDs and reasons to choose partial dentures.

Types of partial dentures

Partial dentures have a gum-colored resin base where the artificial crowns will be inserted. They are usually designed specifically for the patient in a dental lab using models of their mouth.

A short-term partial denture, also called flipper, is typically inserted as a substitute after tooth removal to keep the space closed. This is mostly for aesthetic reasons and does not function normally. The flipper gets support from the gums and could cause minor irritations or thinning of the gum tissues. They are preferably used temporarily while the extraction point heals and before the permanent teeth replacement is ready.

Regular removable partial dentures substitute one or more lost teeth and mostly have clasps to attach to the nearby teeth to keep them in position. The clasps may be built from a resin material (to make it less conspicuous) or metal, in some cases as a component of the metal framework used for the entire denture. Perfect fitting of the denture is critical to ensure that the biting pressure is equally distributed, avoid injury to the gums and teeth and ensure the denture functions and appears as natural as possible.

Why you should choose removable partial dentures

1. Removable dentures are a cost-effective and affordable method of replacing missing teeth.
2. Removable dentures can be designed on the same day as your dental appointment, removing the need to endure several months with dysfunctional teeth (common with other types of restorations).
3. The fitting process is simple and straightforward for the dentist and patient since there is no surgery required.
4. Unlike dental bridges, removable partial dentures do not cause harm to the teeth near the missing teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.drelloway.com or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.

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