Partial Dentures: Information on Types of Partials
Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 29 Jul 2012 - Updated: 18 Aug 2021
Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Related Publications
Synopsis: Information on types of partial dentures to choose from including plastic, light alloy, and hypoallergenic dentures.
Partial dentures are an excellent and cost effective solution if you need to replace multiple missing teeth. At your initial consultation, your dentist will let you know whether partial dentures can be an effective tooth replacement option for you.
Introduction
Missing teeth can lead to a variety of oral health issues if they are not replaced. Your remaining teeth can shift to fill in the gaps, creating alignment issues with your bite and increasing wear on teeth and potential TMJ problems. Missing teeth can also accelerate bone loss and jeopardize the health of your gums and remaining teeth. In order to prevent these issues from occurring, it is important to replace missing teeth in a timely manner.
Main Content
Partial dentures are an excellent and cost effective solution if you need to replace multiple missing teeth. At your initial consultation, your dentist will let you know whether partial dentures can be an effective tooth replacement option for you.
A Partial Denture is defined as a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available - complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A removable partial denture or bridge - difference between partial dentures and dental implants - usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed (permanent) bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This "bridge" is then cemented into place.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures fill in the space left by missing teeth and restore a beautiful smile. They provide a variety of important benefits, including:
- Improves speech
- Prevents facial sagging
- Helps you chew food properly
- Provides support for lips and cheeks
- Protects and supports your bite and the TMJ
Your removable partial denture consists of a prosthetic tooth connected to a pink-colored plastic base. A metal framework may be used to hold the denture in place in your mouth. Metal or tooth-colored clasps attach the partial denture to your remaining natural teeth. For more natural-looking results, you can use precision attachments that are connected to dental crowns. Partial dentures are an excellent alternative to dental implants if you have one or more remaining natural teeth.
Types of Partial Dentures
There are several types of partial dentures to choose from:
- Plastic dentures
- Flexible dentures
- Light alloy dentures
- Hypoallergenic dentures
Light Alloy Dentures
Light alloy dentures are made from a blend of light metal alloy and gum-colored plastic. This option offers several benefits, including:
- More durable than other denture options
- Custom-made to fit the contours of your mouth
- Cover less gum and teeth than other denture options
- Cover less soft tissue in the mouth, improving oral health
- Light framework which minimizes irritation and discomfort when they are fit to your mouth
Plastic Dentures
Plastic dentures are constructed out of injection-molded, impact-resistant plastic materials. They are very comfortable, look natural, and provide you with highly functional prosthetic teeth. Benefits of plastic dentures include:
- Restores a beautiful smile
- Custom-made for an excellent fit
- Less expensive than light alloy dentures
Flexible Dentures
Flexible dentures are an excellent option for patients who have difficulty accommodating a light alloy or plastic denture due to irregularities in the shape of their mouth. The device adapts to the shape of your gum tissue and remaining teeth, and often does not require clasping mechanisms to remain in place. Benefits of flexible dentures include:
- Blends in seamlessly with your natural gum tissue
- Designed to fit your gums perfectly, eliminating the need unsightly metal or uncomfortable clasps or adhesive material
- Can be constructed more quickly than other partial denture options, enabling you to have your new set of replacement teeth in a shorter time period
Hypoallergenic Dentures
Hypoallergenic dentures are made of new materials extensively tested for their inability to produce allergic responses that some very sensitive patients develop. Special labs are used to create these dentures and sometimes sensitivity testing is needed.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Bleaching or whitening teeth is very common in cosmetic dental care today and only your dentist can give your teeth the true white look.
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.