Partial dentures are primarily used in instances where some of your original teeth still exist in your upper or lower arch of the jaw. Complete dentures are only used when all the teeth fall out. Partial dentures are also called as removable partial dentures (RPD). There are several different types of partial dentures that are used depending on the material that is used to make them. Let us now study the types of partial dentures.
Partial Dentures Types
Treatment Partial Dentures Or ‘Flippers’
Flippers are temporary partial dentures that are used when a person is awaiting dental implants. They are commonly used for the front teeth. They have wrought iron clasps that help to secure the teeth to the artificial gum base. Flippers that are used to compensate for front missing teeth are often referred to as ‘stay plates’.
The plastic gum base is made up of acrylic and these are the least expensive of all partial dentures. One huge advantage of treatment partial dentures is that they can be re-fabricated to incorporate new teeth or a new denture base.
Thus, if the remaining original teeth develop decay and have to be extracted, new teeth can be added to the original denture base and the look and appearance of these dentures can be left intact. Many people hold on to flippers due to their cost factor and the ease of adding new teeth.
Cast Metal RPDs
Cast metal partial dentures are the oldest form of removable partial dentures known to mankind. The cast metal dentures are cast to fit the teeth. Since their framework sits on the teeth, they are fairly stable. The only glitch is that the teeth may have to be altered marginally beforehand so that the cast metal dentures can sit comfortably on them.
Since the teeth are altered beforehand, there are lesser limitations in the placement of claps. These dentures do not come into contact with the gums. The framework is made of a very strong alloy called chrome cobalt and hence is less likely to break. This is a convenient denture to use, as there is no hassle of sores in the mouth since the framework does not come into contact with the soft tissues.
Flexible Framework RPDs
These RPDs use different materials in their denture framework. The most commonly used substance is nylon, which is also called as ‘flexite’. It is unbreakable and is made of a very thin material. The clasps curl beautifully around the teeth and hence the framework cannot be made out from the normal gums.
Vinyl composite is another material that is used to make the framework of the partial dentures. The material is malleable and easier to adjust in the hands of the dentist. The material is also very stable as the clasps sit very comfortably on the gums.
The cusil Partial Denture
This is a kind of flexible denture that has holes punched in its framework that allow the natural teeth to protrude through. This sort of framework is used to replace one or two teeth only while the other teeth remain intact.