Partial dentures are one of three popular options people suffering from tooth loss opt for. The treatment is both economic and practical. Likewise, it allows patients to keep their remaining teeth. In other words, partial dentures are time efficient, don’t require a lengthy process, and are natural-looking. But in comparison to other treatments, they have their cons. To learn more about PD, read along.
What are partial dentures?
Partial dentures are dental prosthetics similar to full dentures. This dental restoration technique differs from dentures in the way that it comes with holes that fit over the remaining teeth. Like most dental restoration, partial dentures come in various materials that cater to different aesthetic goals and budgets.
What are partial dentures made of?
There are three primary materials from which PD are made of. These include:
1- Acrylic partial dentures
Acrylic is a popular choice among patients opting for PD. Acrylic can easily color-match different areas of the mouth. Therefore it is typically pink at the base where it resembles the gums. As for the replacement teeth, acrylic can achieve the natural enamel shade.
Acrylic partial dentures come with a metal clip that holds the structure into place. These clips do not affect the aesthetic appearance of the replacement units. So, you don’t need to worry about them from this aspect, they’re in place to give your PD more stability.
2- Metal partial dentures
Metal partial dentures have a metal base with a pink acrylic layer on top to create the natural appearance of the gums. As for the teeth, the material is acrylic in the color of the enamel. The metal base is either cobalt and chrome.
3- Flexible partial dentures
The primary material for building flexible partial dentures is flexible plastic. This type of plastic can easily be color-matched to the natural color of the gums and the enamel. The clasp that holds the dentures is plastic as well.
The benefits of partial dentures
- Very affordable
- Functional and performs basic functions such as chewing
- Corrects speech problems resulting from missing teeth
- Durable
- Can be easily customized
- Prevent your teeth from shifting
The cons of partial dentures
- Lack of full support with risk of falling out
- Require high maintenance and aftercare to avoid bacterial and fungal build-up
What is the best type of partial dentures
From the three types of available partial dentures, you can choose what would most suit you with the help of our dentists. You can also directly get in touch with our experts via WhatsApp through the following link. We’ll try to answer your questions and guide you towards the best treatments to the best of our abilities.
The benefits vary from one type of PD to another and so do the cons. The flexible material using plastic has several benefits. For instance, flexible partial dentures do not contain metal not even in the clips, so it’s good for those with metal allergies. On the other hand, they are prone to bacterial growth and require consistent cleaning.
As for metal partial dentures, they are the most durable while also being the thinnest in structure. While metal provides great support for your teeth, it is slightly more pricey than the remaining types of dentures. In addition to that, people with metal allergies cannot opt for this type of PD.
Acrylic is a great substance for achieving natural results, but while it is durable it can break easily if you don’t take care of them and handle them gently.
Who is suitable for this treatment?
Partial dentures are suitable for people with more than one missing teeth. While there are many other options with better advantages, this treatment is the most cost-effective.
Cost of partial dentures?
In the USA, the cost of partial denture will vary from one type to another. But on average, flexible dentures will range at around $1,000 to $1,500 per jaw. The cost of acrylic PD would range between $1,800 to $2,200 per jaw. As for metal, fees would range between $2,000 to $4,000 per jaw.
In the UK, the cost of partial dentures varies from the USA. Where flexible PD would range between $1,500 to $1,800, acrylic PD, between $2,200 to $3,000, and metal PD would range between $2,000 to $2,500. These costs in both the USA and the UK don’t include dentist’s fees or use of any other facilities such as x-ray machines.
Are partial dentures comfortable?
Partial dentures are relatively comfortable to wear for the first few years. But research shows that many patients stop wearing them after a few years due to pain. Because dentures have no implants, they cannot prevent bone loss in the jawbone. So over several years, they can become ill-fitting.
What are better alternatives?
There are the all-on-4 dental implants which are a modern technique for replacing lost teeth. These come in the form of dentures placed on 4 dental implants. For this reason, they provide the most anchor and security while also being low maintenance in comparison to partial dentures. In Turkey, you can get all-on-four dental implants for the same price as partial dentures in the UK or USA, where the treatment verges at around $4,000 to $5,000. For this price in Turkey and at Dentakay, several luxury services are included. From deluxe accommodation to transportation and translation.
Contact Us
Contact our experts at Dentakay for free consultation and learn all about partial dentures and alternatives.