Even when you miss a few, but not all, of your natural teeth, you could feel self-conscious about your smile because of the poor aesthetics. Additionally, missing a few teeth impairs your capacity to chew and speak and could result in severe oral problems if not replaced.
A practical and cost-friendly way of replacing these natural teeth is the removable partial denture (RPD). These appliances fill the spaces left by missing teeth to restore tooth functionality and appearance and preserve the remaining healthy natural teeth. Below is all you must know about RPDs, including available types, the fitting process, and benefits if you consider the treatment.
Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs) Overview
An RPD is a dental prosthesis of replacement teeth that sits on a plastic gingival or denture base. The gingival base is made to mimic the color of the surrounding gum tissue of the natural teeth. The replacement teeth attach to this base and are placed in the gaps left by multiple missing teeth. The prosthesis is then attached to the remaining tooth roots or retained by anchors or clasps that hook around the remaining natural teeth surrounding the open sockets to enhance stability and retention of the prosthesis.
RPDs differ from complete dentures, which replace an entire arch of missing teeth, as they are fitted around the remaining healthy teeth. The surrounding natural teeth provide anchorage through precision attachment or metal or plastic clasps. Conventional metal clasps are practical, although the clasps are visible through the mouth and could adversely impact your smile. In contrast, precision attachments or connectors are advanced, discreet, and appealing as they blend with your smile.
If you have lost several, but not all, of your natural teeth through periodontitis, teeth decay, or facial trauma, and you have a few remaining healthy original teeth in either of the jaws, you can use RPDs. They are suitable for dental patients who do not prefer permanent options, like dental implants, or temporary ones like acrylic flippers.
These dental prostheses perform functional and aesthetic roles to:
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Restore your chewing
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Enhance your speech
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Enhance the smile's overall appearance by filling spaces left by missing teeth.
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Deter the movement or shifting of healthy teeth adjacent to the spaces
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Prevent loss of facial structure stemming from tooth loss
RPD Types
When considering partial dentures, you have several options to choose from. Each RPD type addresses specific needs, explaining the variance in material options, durability, and aesthetics. Your prosthodontist will explain the options and help you select the appropriate type depending on preference, overall health, and lifestyle. The options you can choose from are:
Cast Metal RPDs
If you want durability and stability, your prosthodontist will recommend cast metal RPD types. They feature a sturdy base and thin metal framework constructed using an alloy of cobalt-titanium or chromium, fitted with prosthetic teeth. Metal clasps hooked around natural teeth and retained the framework for a perfect and comfortable fit.
Even though metal clasps secure the prosthesis and provide stability, making them highly functional, they are visible from the mouth and do not blend with your smile; hence, they are unsuitable if your goal of replacing the missing teeth was to restore aesthetics and a flawless smile. If you are concerned about your appearance, your dentist should retain the cast metal RPDs, which are discreet and blend with the smile.
Apart from durability due to the material used in these artificial replacement teeth, cast metal RPDs are advantageous because of the thin framework that enables them to fit more naturally in the spaces left by missing teeth than other partial dentures. They are a suitable choice as they offer comfort, durability, and aesthetics.
Acrylic Clasp RPDs
Also called flippers, acrylic clasp RPDs are artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored acrylic framework that resembles the natural gingival tissue. Flippers are inexpensive and often used as temporary restorations as you wait to fabricate the permanent dentures. Even though economical, they are less durable than other partial denture types.
So, you should use flippers for a quick and temporary solution to your missing teeth after an extraction procedure to restore teeth functionality and appearance. However, they are bulkier and less comfortable, as the thickness makes it challenging to secure them in the mouth sufficiently. If you are on a low budget and want a temporary solution to your missing teeth, your prosthodontist will suggest using flippers.
Apart from these RPD types, you can find other bespoke options, like flexible partial dentures suitable for patients who feel uncomfortable due to the rigidity of other partial denture materials or are allergic to materials like acrylic. They are made of nylon-based resin, making them flexible. Also, you can go for acetal resin RPD for enhanced aesthetics. Your dental expert will tailor your treatment plan to fit your lifestyle, preferences, and oral needs.
Choosing Your Dental Expert or Prothodontist
The success of your partial denture treatment depends on the prosthodontist or dental provider who performs it. Therefore, you should find a clinic that delivers the expected results before undergoing the treatment. When choosing a prosthodontist, consider the following:
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Convenience
Dental preparation and fitting take a few dental appointments. You will require follow-up appointments to establish the procedure’s progress even after they are fitted. Therefore, when selecting a dental provider, consider their location. Find a professional who lives near your place to make it easy to attend appointments on time when commuting. Also, ensure they can accommodate your work schedule to avoid postponing procedures.
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The Prosthodontist’s Experience
Find a dental professional who has been operating for decades, which is a sign of experience. Besides, only reputable dentistry services last long in the industry. So, if a dentist you are considering has been in the industry for years, it shows that customers trust their dental services and that they have kept clients satisfied, hence their extended stay in the market. During the appointment with the dental provider, determine the number of removable partial dentures they have successfully performed. Opt for a dentist with many successful procedures because they will likely provide optimum-level services.
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Choose an Assurance
Many dental providers provide patients with a warranty for denture services. So, when picking a dentist, ensure they will provide a warranty for your partial denture procedure.
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Consider Your RPD Choice
RPDs have significantly advanced, with many options available depending on your unique needs and preferences. Choose a clinic that offers several types of partial dentures to have the flexibility to select your preferred type.
Removable Partial Denture Initial Consultation and Preparation
When missing a few of your teeth in either of the jaws, you want to consult your dentist to evaluate your remaining natural teeth, gingival tissue, and jawbone to confirm if you are a candidate for RPDs. During the examination, the health of the natural teeth that will anchor the partial dentures is critical in determining whether the treatment will be successful.
Apart from a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, the dentist will inquire about your medical and oral history to understand if you suffer from any illnesses that could interfere with the success of the RPDs.
The strength of the jawbone is crucial when considering RPDs. Therefore, your dental expert will order an X-ray to obtain a clear image of the bone structure and determine if it is sufficient for the treatment. If you have underlying concerns like low density, the oral surgeon or prosthodontist might have to address them before the denture placement.
Once the dentist establishes that you are a candidate for the RPDs, they will discuss options, including flippers, cast metal, flexible, and acrylic clasps. They will explain the benefits and disadvantages of each of these options to help you make the right choice.
After you pick your preferred RPD type, the dental provider will develop a treatment plan, including the cost and appointments required to complete the procedure.
The next step in the preparation phase involves taking a diagnostic or initial impression of the arches in the jaw with a few but not all missing teeth. If necessary, the dentist can use the diagnostic impression to fabricate custom trays to help improve and produce a more accurate final mold. The final impression must be highly accurate, and all the ridges and crevices in the jawbone and remaining natural teeth must be identified. That way, they can be addressed to provide a snug-fitting RPD.
During preparations, the dentist will record your jaw relations. Jaw misalignment can affect the alignment of your partial dentures. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the jaws are correctly aligned. Bite registration is usually done using wax rims.
If you opt for cast metal RPDs, your dental provider will use the impressions taken to fabricate the metal framework for fitting to ensure it sits properly and that necessary adjustments are made before the procedure.
Lastly, the preparations for the treatment involve a wax try-in. Here, the dentist places the prosthetic teeth using wax on the gingival base and fits them in the gaps left by the missing teeth. This is done to evaluate the appearance of the artificial teeth, including their shape, size, color, location, bite, and general smile aesthetics. Use this stage of the procedure to give your feedback on how the denture feels and looks. If adjustments are required, they can be made before the final placement.
Placing the Final RPDs
After the fabrication of the final RPDs, you will return to the dentist for the final placement. The dentist inserts the final RPD in the space left by missing teeth. The following step examines the denture to determine if it has achieved a snug fit. If there are pressure points, the dentist identifies them using a pressure-indicating paste and relieves the pressure in these points to ensure the dentures feel comfortable in the mouth.
The next step is occlusion evaluation and adjustment. The prosthodontist of the dental provider must carefully observe your bite after the final placement to ensure there is no malocclusion. The bite should be balanced and pressure exerted evenly to avoid discomfort.
RPDs connect the remaining healthy teeth with plastic or metal clasps or anchors. So, when the dentist ensures that the partial denture is comfortable in the mouth, they hook the clasps around the teeth and adjust them to enhance stability and retention.
Follow-up appointments after the final placement are necessary to ensure no complications. If you are experiencing soreness or pain in the gums, it means the dentures are not stable, and a follow-up is required for an adjustment to achieve a comfortable and perfect fit.
Adapting to the RPDs
Good oral hygiene is paramount when wearing RPDs to increase their longevity and improve your oral health. If the dentures irritate the gums, maintaining appropriate dental hygiene can be challenging, leading to more severe oral issues, like periodontitis, denture stomatitis (otherwise called fungal infections), and leukoplakia.
Remove your partial dentures every evening and rinse them under running tap water to remove food particles. Fill water in the sink when doing this, or place the dentures on a towel to avoid breakage.
Brush your dentures using a brush at least once a day using liquid soap or toothpaste. Do not use the standard toothpaste, as it is abrasive and can damage the restoration.
After you remove the dentures, clean your palate, gingival tissue, and tongue using a soft-bristled brush. You should repeat this step in the morning before putting the dentures on. Doing so prevents plaque buildup, leading to severe oral concerns, and helps stimulate the soft tissue.
It is normal to feel some discomfort after the placement. Soreness and increased saliva production are common, but they disappear after a few days when the mouth adjusts to the dentures. The restoration will feel odd or loose in the mouth until the muscles and gingival tissue adapt. If the complications persist, you should schedule an appointment for a few adjustments so the pain can disappear.
The cheeks, lips, and tongue also take time to adapt and can be sensitive in the first few days of the installation. It is common to bite the cheeks as the partial dentures acclimate or adjust. You must practice to adapt to chewing with the new dentures. Start with soft foods and gradually introduce hard foods to regain your chewing confidence.
RPDs adversely affect your speech. It will be challenging to pronounce some words after the treatment. Luckily, with practice, you can regain your speech within two weeks. Pronounce the words that are causing you difficulties; with time, you will pronounce them correctly. However, when the pronunciation problem persists, you should arrange a meeting with your prosthodontist for evaluation and adjustments if necessary.
Removable partial dentures should not be loose. If you notice yours, visit your dentist immediately for adjustments. If you allow the problem to continue, the movement will irritate the gums, causing painful sores and possibly a fungal infection.
Even after adapting to the RPDs, you should regularly visit your dentist for evaluation and dental cleaning.
Cost of RPDs
The cost of RPDs varies depending on factors like material choice, the dental provider’s location, the number of missing teeth, the artistic skills of the dental lab technician, and complementary procedures. Acrylic RPDs are the most affordable, while flexible and cast metal dentures are expensive. On average, you will pay $800 to $2,000 for RPDs. Consult your dentist about the options, pros and cons, and cost.
Durability of RPDs
The durability of your RPDs hinges on the material choice, fabrication quality, and oral hygiene. Partial dentures can last five to fifteen years, although several factors affect their durability.
Cast metal RPDs are the most durable, lasting ten to fifteen years with proper care. They last long because they are rigid, providing stability and eliminating movements that expose other types, like acrylic, to wear and tear.
Flippers are the least durable, lasting two to four years. The reason for being less durable is that the acrylic material is susceptible to cracking and breakage. They are usually used after the extraction of multiple teeth while you await the final dentures.
Regardless of your RPD choice, several factors affect durability. The main factors are oral hygiene and denture care. You must remove and clean the dentures at least once daily. Also, observe the usual oral hygiene routine of brushing at least twice daily and flossing once with the dentures off.
Another factor that will affect the duration of the treatment is changes in your oral health. Shrinking or resorption of the natural bone can change the fit of the dentures, making them loose, hence requiring adjustment or replacement. Cavities or periodontitis on the anchor teeth can weaken them, rendering them incapable of providing adequate anchorage and stability to the denture. If the disease is not addressed early, it can lead to tooth loss, thus requiring a new partial denture.
Lastly, your lifestyle and compliance with routine dental checkups will determine the durability of your artificial teeth.
Find a Competent Prosthodontist Near Me
Removable partial dentures are affordable and effective teeth replacements if you have missing teeth in an arch. They improve the appearance and functionality of your smile, and you can remove them for cleaning, making it easy to observe proper oral hygiene. However, you must hire the right dentist for a successful procedure. At Tarzana Dental Care, we will conduct a thorough initial oral examination to determine your candidacy, explain the available RPD options and their pros and cons, and help you pick the type that suits your oral needs and lifestyle. Call us today at 818-708-3232 for an initial consultation.