Removable Partial Denture
An option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth is a partial. This device anchors to the existing teeth for stability and replaces any missing teeth. There are different kinds of partials but the most common is a metal framework partial, a metal base is fabricated and teeth and gums are added where needed. The general process for fabricating a partial is as follows:
- Diagnostic Impressions - Upper and lower impressions of your mouth will be taken to allow plaster cast of your mouth to be made. The dentist will use these models to design the partial to fit around your existing teeth and replace missing ones.
- Rest seat preparations and final impressions - The dentist may elect to make small notches in a few teeth to allow the partial to have a place to rest in the mouth. These small indentations do no harm to your tooth, they do not extend deep enough to cause any sensitivity or damage. A final impression is made to capture very fine details of your mouth and the new indentations. The lab uses this impression and model to fabricate the metal framework portion of the partial.
- Metal framework - The dental laboratory sends back the metal substructure of the partial first, we want to ensure this fits properly over the teeth before any further work is done. At this appointment the shade of the teeth will be determined by matching to the shade of the existing teeth.
- Wax Try In - The lab sends the framework back with teeth mounted onto the framework into wax. This allows the patient to approve of the shape and color of the teeth as well as the bite. The dentist will check to be sure the denture teeth and your natural teeth will be able to work together to allow efficient chewing of food. If the patient and dentist approves of the setup, it will be sent back to the lab for final processing and finishing.
- Delivery - At this appointment the patient will get to take home their partial. Any adjustments necessary will be made that day. It is normal for the patient to have to return a few more times for adjustments to fine tune the fit of the partial.
Once completed, partials require specific care different from caring for natural teeth. First of all you should always remove your partial at night, you should never sleep in them. Your gum tissue needs time to breathe and your muscles relax. When out of the mouth your partial should always be stored in water, never leave them out and let them get dry. To clean your partial you should use a denture brush or regular toothbrush WITHOUT toothpaste, the abrasives in toothpaste actually scratch your partials. A denture cleanser can also be used each night when the partial is placed in water, but you should never boil your partial or clean them with anything other then denture cleaner. If your partial needs further adjustment call our office and make an appointment if you try to adjust the partial yourself you can cause irreversible damage that the dentist will not be able to repair.