Partial dentures are removable devices to replace missing teeth and are used when you still have some remaining teeth. When you need to replace all your missing teeth, devices called complete dentures are used. At The Denture & Implant Clinic we specialize in transforming patients’ smiles after tooth loss.
Teeth can play a vital role in helping to keep the dentures in place by providing support and/or retention, and this particularly helps with lower dentures. Below, we explain more about how dentures fit in the mouth and various denture options.
Denture retention
We can place clips, called “clasps,” around the teeth to help hold the dentures in place, and this helps prevent the dentures from moving when you’re eating.
There are two main types of clasps we use. Stainless steel clasps are used in conjunction with acrylic dentures, but these often have poor results due to the flexible nature of the material. The other option is cobalt-chrome clasps, which are far superior. The cobalt chrome clasps need to be made as part of a chrome framework; otherwise, they do not work as well.
Read our blog here about the differences between chrome and acrylic dentures.
In addition, if you really want good denture retention, we can place precision attachments on crowns that will help keep the dentures in place very effectively.
Click here to read more about denture precision attachments.
Optimal Support
Poor support will cause the dentures to sink into your gums when you bite down. Gums are soft, so this can cause pain, discomfort, and trauma to the area and can even sometimes lead to tooth loss and bone loss.
Good support must be derived from teeth, as they are hard. When your teeth properly support the denture, it prevents it from sinking and moving then you bite down.
Cobalt-Chrome Dentures: The Best Choice for Partial Dentures
Overall, if you have a few natural teeth remaining on either side, then cobalt-chrome dentures will be the best. The cobalt-chrome needs to be of the highest quality to provide the best results.
The denture teeth and gums are built around the cobalt-chrome framework for excellent cosmetics. This outstanding alloy is able to be precisely fabricated so we can use attachments such as rest-seats and clasps to provide stability to the denture. Advantages of a cobalt-chrome denture include:
- Increased retention (denture is kept in position using clasps, which hook around your natural teeth)
- Improved stability and support, because the biting pressure is placed directly down onto your natural teeth, which are able to withstand with pressure (as opposed to your gums, which are not)
- Reduced rotation of the denture
- Reduced coverage of your mouth, which is better for your gums and teeth; often, the palate (roof of your mouth) can remain uncovered, which improves both your sense of taste and comfort
- Thinner and less bulky
- Stronger
What about flexi-dentures?
Partial dentures near me
If you are interested in learning more about partial dentures for back teeth or front teeth, the partial dentures cost, or have questions for about how to better support and retain your dentures in your mouth, call The Denture & Implant Clinic today at 020 8629 1226.
