A removable partial denture is a type of denture placed inside the mouth when some, not all, teeth are missing.
The main purpose of a removable partial denture is to fill in the spaces created by the missing teeth therefore preventing the remaining natural teeth from changing position.
A removable partial denture is composed of artificial teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored base made of acrylic.
This base is sometimes connected to a metal framework that holds the denture in place inside the mouth.
Enhanced Eating Function: Restore your ability to chew and enjoy a wider variety of foods.
Maintained Tooth Stability: Prevent remaining teeth from shifting or tilting due to missing teeth.
Preserved Facial Aesthetics: Maintain your natural facial contours and avoid premature aging.
Cost-Effective Option: Removable partial dentures are often a more affordable alternative to fixed dental prosthetics like bridges or implants.
Potential for Tooth Decay: Improper denture maintenance can lead to tooth decay in the remaining teeth.
Aesthetic Concerns: Some dentures may be noticeable or aesthetically unappealing, affecting self-confidence.
Aesthetic Concerns: Some dentures may be noticeable or aesthetically unappealing, affecting self-confidence.
Removable dentures with intra-coronal attachments
Removable dentures with extra coronal attachments
Overdenture attachments
The patient will need to get used to the denture until it settles in. There is an expected change in speech because gaps have been replaced.
Pronunciation of some letters might be a bit challenging, especially the “s” and “t” sounds, but practice can cure this.
Treatment procedure requires at least three to four appointments with the dentist.
The first appointment is to take an impression (negative copy of the mouth). It will then be sent to a laboratory to generate a copy of the denture base including the artificial teeth.
The second appointment is the trial of the adaptation of the denture base. The dentist checks if the normal bite has been restored properly. The shade of the remaining teeth will also be checked so that the denture will blend naturally.
At this stage, the patient’s input regarding shade should be considered. Final approval of the patient regarding the actual look of the denture should be guaranteed by the dentist before sending it to the laboratory.
The final stage will be the try-in of the processed removable partial denture. Correction of the bite and irregularities will be examined and repaired. The final appointment should be made after one week for further adjustment until the denture settles.
Materials include acrylic and porcelain for artificial teeth, and chrome cobalt or gold for the base of the dentures and the arch wires.
The life span of a removable partial denture is from five to 10 years with consideration of practicing proper oral hygiene to prevent damage to surrounding oral structures.
Patients should still regularly visit the dentist every six months for their routine check-ups. The dentist will examine the dentures now and then because oral structures change naturally in time.
Eating and chewing should be on both sides to balance out the loads on the denture. Proper cleaning of dentures will also be given by the dentist to achieve the longest life span of the dentures.