3 Options for Partial Dentures

There are many options that you can consider when looking at partial dentures. They can come in several different materials and varieties. Let’s take a look at each one, taking both the pros and the cons into account.

Acrylic

Acrylic dentures are probably the most commonly used variety. There are several benefits to them. First, they can be matched to the color of your gums. They are also modifiable, and more teeth can be added to the same denture if you lose more. They are also often the most affordable option. Therefore, they are often the best option for people looking for temporary dentures, such as flippers, which are temporary dentures with only one or two teeth attached. 

However, there are detriments to them, as well.

Since they are the cheapest option, they tend not to last as long as the other types. You may need to fix them throughout their life, which can generate hidden costs along the way. They may also put a strain on your mouth, leading to discomfort and irritation. 

Metal

Partial dentures can be metal, as well. Metal dentures are lighter and sturdier than acrylic ones, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking as much. Even if you accidentally drop them, they probably won’t break. They use less material in your mouth, as well, which can be more comfortable and leads to less food getting trapped in them. Like acrylic dentures, they can be modified so that more teeth can be added as needed. 

As with all varieties, there are several downsides to metal dentures. The biggest downside might be the cost, as metal dentures are the most expensive type. The metal can be seen in your mouth, too. Therefore, if someone is looking for subtlety and not immediately apparent that they are wearing dentures, metal ones might not be the choice for them. 

Flexible

Another option is flexible partial dentures. These are made from a special kind of plastic that’s molded at high temperatures called thermoplastic. Acrylic and metal dentures tend to work with adhesives and clasps. However, flexible dentures don’t need either of those due to how they are molded. Flexible dentures last longer than either acrylic or metal dentures.

As the name implies, they are thinner and more flexible than the other types, and they fit better in your mouth. The better fit means that they will irritate your mouth less, and they are much less likely to cause sores or even lesions. The base is clear, so they don’t need to be color-matched to your gums. They are more expensive than acrylic dentures but less expensive than metal ones.

Their main con is that they are generally unfixable. If they break, you will need to buy entirely new ones. They also aren’t as easy to modify as the other types, so if you end up losing more teeth, you will likely have to buy new ones.

Request an appointment here: https://thelightfamilydental.com or call The Light Family Dental & Implant Dentistry at (210) 987-3011 for an appointment in our Converse office.

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