Partial Dentures II

Removable partial dentures typically replace one or more teeth missing on a single arch with a permanent solution, which the patient is able to wear for years. These dentures usually consist of a metal framework supporting artificial replacement teeth. The denture has a retentive device such as metal or invisible clasps that attach to adjoining teeth, and patients can remove and reinsert their partials for cleaning and rest. This differs from a fixed partial denture or a removable bridge, both of which make use of implants to support them in the mouth.

Materials Used

The demand for removable partial dentures is growing rapidly, due in part to the increased 65-and-over population. This group is set to almost double over the next 30 years, which means the number of people with total or partial edentulism is increasing as well. This has led the dental community to look for ways to address the complications of current partial dentures and uncover a solution. Ideally, the solution needs to support oral health and encourage patient compliance in order to deliver better oral health outcomes after tooth loss.

Current Pros and Cons

Patients have more options in removable partial dentures than in the past, but none of these offer a problem-free solution. Benefits and disadvantages of the materials currently in use include:

• Metal frames, which secure existing teeth and hold the dentures in place, although they can leave a metallic taste and cause sensitivity and inflammation in some patients.
• Flexible dentures [LINK TO PAGE], which are more comfortable, esthetic and less invasive but can be prone to bacteria buildup. These materials are easier to wear and promote good compliance, but are more easily deformed in the mouth during long-term use.
• Acrylic dentures, which are more affordable than other materials but can be easier to damage and less comfortable than flexibles. The material has lower impact strength, which means removable partial dentures made from acrylic need to be heavier and therefore bulkier.
• High performance polymer dentures, which are designed specifically for patients who need superior strength and toughness, good stability and high chemical resistance. These are typically custom-formulated to provide the best of all worlds.