Partial Dental Plate - in Your Local Area

Avoiding Conventional Partial Dentures and False Teeth

Precision and semi-precision partial dentures, like conventional partial dentures, replace missing natural teeth with artificial teeth. However, the means by which they are retained in the mouth is different than a conventional clasp prosthesis.

To better understand these partial dentures types, it is best to first review the basics of conventional partial denture clasps.

How Conventional Partial Denture Clasps Function

Most partial dentures are usually kept in place by clasps. These are thin finger-like projections of special resilient metal alloy, or, in certain cases, plastic or plastic-like materials.

• Clasps rest on and around certain remaining natural teeth so that their ends extend into narrow areas below a gentler bulge on the tooth. Sometimes it is necessary to shape a tooth or make a crown for a tooth or teeth in order to develop the right amount and relationship of undercut and bulge for retention.
• When a partial denture is placed in the mouth, clasps gently spring over a tooth bulge and rest in a relaxed state within an undercut.
• A partial dentures are held in place during normal eating, speaking and other activities because clasps resist springing back over tooth bulges.
• Clasp resistance to removal is not great enough to prevent a person from comfortably removing their partial denture whenever they choose.

The Problem With Conventional Denture Clasps

Despite numerous successful conventional clasp designs, they do have some drawbacks.

• Clasps may at times become visible. Often, this is unavoidable and usually is not objectionable. However, for some individuals, the show of clasps is simply not acceptable because of personal circumstances and compromised appearance.
• Certain partial false teeth may function better with retentive means other than conventional clasps.
• Remaining natural tooth structures may be inadequate to accommodat conventional clasps. Therefore, dental crown or crowns may need to be fabricated to correct these deficiencies.

Semi-Precision and Precision Partial Dentures -- Viable Alternatives

Alternatives to conventional clasp partial dentures fall into two categories, both of which have no clasps to show.

• Semi-precision partial dentures are retained in the mouth by means of mechanical interlocking components. A specially-shaped extension of the partial denture fits into or onto a complementary receiving area or projection of a natural tooth that has been crowned.
  The components fit snugly and consist of a semi-rigid metal-to-other-surface interface, which may also be metal or some other resilient material such as nylon.
• Precision partial dentures are similar to the semi-precision type except that the mechanical interlocking components are manufactured to extremely high tolerances and are held together by precise alignment and a rigid metal-to-metal frictional interface of components.

Advantages of Semi-Precision and Precision Partial Dentures

• A cosmetically-enhanced partial denture as compared to conventional partial dentures
• No show of metal clasps
• Blends in with the conformity of remaining natural teeth
• Functions with a more even pressure on remaining natural teeth than conventional partial dentures

Disadvantages of Semi-Precision and Precision Partial Dentures

• Semi-precision partial dentures are the most costly to fabricate
• Usually some natural teeth need to be crowned
• More difficult to fabricate and adjust
• Some components may need periodic replacement

Which Type of Partial Denture Is Best?

Every patient has unique oral health needs that are best determined by a licensed dentist after a thorough examination.

by Joseph J. Massad, D.D.S.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Affordable Dentures Care for Your Denture Repairs

Dentures make life easier every day. While you may miss your natural teeth, dentures make it possible for you to eat well, improve your appearance, fill gaps where natural teeth are missing and support your facial muscles so you maintain your appearance. Dentures require special care, however, and so does the rest of your mouth. Daily cleaning and regular dental visits are just as important now that you are a denture wearer as they were before you got your dentures.

Regular Denture Cleaning

Each day before you put your dentures in, use a brush with soft bristles to brush your remaining natural teeth, as well as your gums and your tongue. This will remove plaque that builds up overnight that can lead to gum disease. Pay special attention to any teeth that fit underneath the denture's metal clasp, because bacteria trapped between the metal and your tooth can cause tooth decay.

Your dentures also need to be cleaned on a daily basis, after meals, and when you remove them for the night. Cleaning them will remove food particles and plaque, prevent them from becoming stained, and keep them tasting and smelling fresh when you put them in your mouth.

Your dentist will tell you the best kind of brushes and toothpaste or cleaning solutions to keep your dentures clean. Hand soap and mild dishwashing liquid are acceptable for use. Don't use toothpastes that contain abrasive cleaners because they may scratch and weaken the denture.

To clean your denture, rinse off all food particles. Moisten your brush and apply the dental cleaner; gently brush the entire denture, but make sure to hold it securely so the brushing doesn't bend the attachments or damage the surface.

Keeping Dentures in Good Repair

Dentures are durable enough to stand up to chewing and biting, but fragile when they are out of your mouth. Dropping them or throwing them down on a sink or counter can break a tooth or part of the denture base.

When your denture teeth are front teeth, avoid biting down directly on crunchy or hard foods, like hard pretzels, crusty bread, or even oversized sandwiches. They can all cause a denture to break because of the angle where your denture tooth meets the hard surface. Be careful when biting into whole apples with your dentures as well; cut them into wedges instead.

If your denture cracks or breaks, or if your denture tooth is chipped or loose, call the dentist immediately. Dentures can usually be repaired quickly, even the same day, but do not continue to use a damaged denture without letting your dentist see it.

Dentures Overnight

Take your dentures out at night and place them in a container of water or a solution designed to clean dentures while they soak. Dentures that dry out can become brittle and may also change shape.

Ask your dentist for a container that will conceal your dentures while they soak, so your dentures won't sit out in plain view, but make sure that the container is labeled or placed in a safe place, especially if you are visiting someone or have visitors at your home. Never place a denture in boiling water or the microwave oven.

If your denture has metal clasps, ask your dentist whether soaking will tarnish them. If so, your dentist will recommend an alternative method of overnight storage.

Affordable Dentures Check-Ups

Seeing your dentist regularly is still important. Your mouth is always changing, and the dentist will check to make sure your dentures continue to fit properly and will examine them for any sign of damage.

In addition, the dentist will examine your mouth, gums, tongue, and jaw joints for any signs of problems. Some diseases, like diabetes, will actually show symptoms in mouth tissue; your oral health reflects the rest of your health and your dentist is an important member of your health care team.

Dentures and Durability

While dentures are durable, they won't last forever. With many years of use, dentures may lose their natural appearance and become worn, and will not function as well as they did when they were new.

Stains will likely occur over time, and even the fit may become loose or uncomfortable as your mouth changes. Your dentist will be able to advise you on whether changes to your dentures are cosmetic or have an impact on your oral health and hygiene.

by Brian J. Gray, D.D.S., M.A.G.D., F.I.C.O.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.