At NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry, I offer a wide range of services but specialize in dentures and make a lot of partials—RPDs in dentist speak.
I take great care in crafting these prosthetics, paying close attention to fit and aesthetics. As your dentist in New Orleans, I want you to love your new smile, so I offer partial denture options to meet various needs and goals.
Partial Dentures for Sporadic Tooth Loss
Dentures come in two different classifications: partial dentures and complete dentures. As the name suggests, complete dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth, whereas partial dentures fill in the spaces only where teeth are missing.
If you need a partial denture, one of the first decisions is what type of partial denture to make. In this blog, I’d like to discuss the three types of partial dentures: hard acrylic, flexible acrylic, and cast metal.
Types of Partial Dentures in New Orleans
- Hard Acrylic Partial Dentures
- Flexible Acrylic Partial Dentures
- Cast Metal Partial Dentures
Hard Acrylic Partial Dentures
These partial dentures are typically the most affordable prosthetic because they are easier to create. We sometimes use acrylic dentures and partials to heal the gums before implant placement.
These dentures rely on clips, gravity, and healthy remaining teeth for support.
They are a tried-and-true solution to tooth loss and a repairable prosthetic. However, they eventually need replacing, and you should never use them to chew complex foods like ice or nuts. They also strain the supporting teeth over time.
Flexible Acrylic Partials
Many patients prefer these partial dentures because they are soft and flexible and don’t require clips or clasps to stay in place. However, these prosthetics are not as easy to chew with as other partial types. They may also put additional or uneven stress on supporting teeth and are challenging to repair.
Cast Metal Partial Dentures
The metal framework of these partials typically makes them more durable. They may last longer than other types and provide a more even bite force, alleviating constant pressure on supporting teeth and helping to prevent future tooth loss. They are repairable but take longer to fabricate. In some cases, a bit of metal may show.
Denture Care
To care for your removable partial dentures and full dentures, you should be soaked overnight in a denture bath. You can add a cleaning tablet for disinfecting.
Never use traditional toothpaste on your dentures and partials. Instead, use a denture cleaning brush and denture polish.
You should rinse your dentures throughout the day.
Also, it helps maintain the fit of your partial by keeping your remaining teeth healthy by brushing and flossing at least twice daily. You should also visit me every six months for checkups and dental cleanings.
Partial Denture Longevity
- Hard acrylic dentures typically last five to ten years and sometimes longer.
- Flexible acrylic dentures may last up to eight years or longer.
- Cast metal dentures can last up to a dozen years or longer.
Quality Partial Dentures in New Orleans
Partial denture costs vary, depending on prosthetic type, necessary extractions, and the complexity of your case. However, we can determine costs during your tooth replacement consultation.
Contact my dental team at (504) 392-5104 to arrange an appointment and get started.
Remember to ask us about our 3-D printed dentures!