When you’re missing all of your teeth and want a cost-effective way of restoring your facial structure, smile, and the ability to chew food, complete dentures are a good option. Conversely, the oral appliance known as partial dentures contains some replacement teeth attached to gum-colored bases. Partial dentures use your remaining natural teeth as anchors and snap into place.

There are several different types of partial dentures, including:

Fixed partial denture (fixed bridge)

The dentists at KRB Dentistry offer fixed bridges for patients with only one or two missing teeth surrounded by healthy teeth.

“Fixed” means that the partial denture is placed with a permanent cement that cannot be removed by the patient. Fixed bridges have a crown at each end and replacement teeth in the middle. They stay in your mouth all the time, and you brush them like your existing teeth.

Implant-supported fixed partial denture (implant-supported fixed bridge)

For patients who have too many missing teeth for a fixed bridge, have such significant bone loss where even the dentures cannot be retained without extra retentive feature, or who don’t want to damage their existing healthy tooth structure, implant-supported fixed bridges can anchor them in place.

Dental implant posts made of biocompatible titanium replace your tooth roots and support your partial denture. Like fixed bridges, implant-supported bridges are permanent and are unremovable once they’re cemented.

Cast metal removable partial denture

Cast metal removables are the most common type of removable partial denture and consist of replacement teeth on a rigid cast metal frame that attaches to your existing teeth with metal clasps. As the name implies,”removable” means the patient can take them off after each meal and at night to clean, for ease in maintaining good oral hygiene.

Acrylic removable partial denture (flippers, or temporary partials)

Also called “flippers” and set in a thick, bulky pink base for rigidity, acrylic removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps. Acrylic removable partial dentures usually get used as an interim device until your permanent restoration is available since the fasteners tend to be visible while you talk or smile.

Flexible removable partial denture

If acrylic or cast metal partials cause you discomfort, flexible partial dentures made from thin, heat-sensitive plastic offer a comfortable and highly realistic alternative. Flexible partials get attached using slim, gum-colored clasps that fit into the natural spaces around your teeth.

Regardless of the type of partial dentures you choose, it’s essential that you take good care of your oral appliances. Be sure to:

• Place your partial dentures in a denture cleanser soaking solution — which you can buy from your local drug store or pharmacy — or plain water when you’re not wearing them, so they don’t dry out.
• Brush your dentures every day to remove food and dental plaque and to help prevent stains.
• Brush your gums, tongue, and palate before inserting your dentures to stimulate circulation and help remove plaque.
  To find the best partial denture option for your budget, goals, and dental needs, call KRB Dentistry or make an appointment online today.