Types of Partial Dentures for Front Teeth

Missing teeth affect your eating and speaking abilities, smile, confidence, and appearance. Fortunately, you can replace all or a few missing teeth with dentures. Complete dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth, while partial dentures replace a few. Continue reading to learn about partial dentures in Detroit, MI.

What Are Partial Dentures?

They are custom-made appliances designed to replace a few missing teeth restoring your smile and confidence. The replacement teeth in partial dentures are connected to a base that resembles your gums. They have clasps that hold onto your natural teeth and one or more artificial teeth to replace the missing ones.

Partial dentures can replace any lost teeth, including front ones. However, a dentist in Detroit, MI, must check your teeth and oral health before fixing partials. You must have most of your natural teeth and be in good condition. In addition, your gums must be healthy since the dentures will rest on them.

Types of Partial Dentures

Different types of partial dentures are made from metal, resins, and acrylic. Each class has distinct features that enable it to address teeth configurations that the other type cannot. That is why you need help from a qualified and experienced dentist when getting partial dentures near you. Here are a few partial dentures commonly prescribed.

• Cast Metal Partial Dentures

Cast metal partial dentures consist of a rigid ultra-thin metal base that holds a set of acrylic teeth. They are securely attached to the adjacent natural teeth with metal clasps. These dentures are precise and comfortable. With proper care, they can last for 7-10 years.

Your dentist may recommend these dentures if you need stable, secure, lightweight partials. Cast metal partial dentures are suitable for patients missing several teeth within a single arch. They are ideal for patients who miss all or a few back teeth. Their sturdy framework design keeps them from bending or moving while chewing.

• Flexible Partial Dentures

These dentures are made from a nylon-based resin material, making them flexible. The material functions as a denture base and the structural support for the dentures. They are lightweight, thin, and comfortable. The clasps attaching to the natural teeth blend with the gum tissue for a realistic look. Also, they are durable and can last for up to five years.

Flexible partial dentures are suitable for patients who want to replace a few missing teeth but are allergic to acrylic. They are also ideal for those who cannot tolerate wearing rigid cast metal partials. These partials are suitable for patients with a history of gum disease. However, the user must have adequate natural teeth to support the dentures.

• Acrylic partial dentures

These denture types are used temporarily after a dental extraction while a more permanent option is being made. They consist of a few replacement teeth attached to a pink acrylic base. However, the acrylic material is thick and bulky. It can cause difficulty pronouncing some words correctly. This occurs because the tongue has inadequate space for proper movement.

Partial Dentures for Missing Front Teeth

The teeth on the front part of your mouth are visible when you smile. So, when replacing missing front teeth, you need aesthetically pleasing dentures. The experts at My Detroit Dentist may recommend the dentures below.

• Acetal Resin Partial Dentures

These attractive solid partials are ideal for replacing easily noticed missing teeth. They consist of a framework and supporting clasps made from tooth-colored resin. The resin blends seamlessly with surrounding natural teeth providing excellent aesthetics.

Its framework is firm but slightly flexible, making it comfortable. However, acetal resin partials are less durable than cast metal partial dentures. Their resin material only lasts for a short time and must be replaced more frequently.

• Flipper Partial Dentures or Flippers

They are dentures designed to restore missing teeth in the front part of the mouth. Flippers are made from acrylic or a flexible Valplast material, making them attractive. When replacing several missing teeth, flippers use clasps to hold them in place. But, you may use dental adhesive to hold a denture with one or two artificial teeth in position.

They are inexpensive and can be easily removed for cleaning. However, the lightweight material breaks easily if not well maintained. Dentists use flipper partials for a short term while waiting for a permanent solution.