When thinking of a denture, you likely imagine a bulky appliance that looks or feels unnatural. This does not have to be the case. If you are missing multiple teeth, a stiff acrylic partial denture is not your only option.
Flexible partials are available as an alternative to standard prosthetics at Complete Dental Care.
Life Expectancy and Differences in Materials
It’s reasonable to expect that any dental prosthetic will last for years, and this is true of both flexible partials and metal-framed teeth replacements. Flexible partials use a nylon material that is softer and thinner than acrylic, providing the malleable quality that gives these dentures their name. However, that does not mean that these teeth replacements do not hold up to standard. They are comfortable to use every day and are gentler on sensitive tissue while chewing and eating. Flexible partials are also highly durable to prevent breaking.
Depending on the manufacturer of the flexible partial, your new teeth may come with a lifetime warranty. The thermoplastic materials used in your partial will also not stain, absorb scents, or create sensitivities if you are allergic to metal and other common dental restoration materials.
Temporary Prosthetics?
As flexible partials are made of different than are used in traditional prosthetics, they have created discussion on best uses in the dental community. For some dentists, the partials are viewed as, and work well as, long-term temporaries, especially when patients are healing after implant placement and require aesthetic transitional teeth. Over the life of your replacement teeth, it’s expected that repair will be needed. This is true for all restorations, from crowns to full dentures.
As partial dentures are made from soft and flexible nylon and may not cover some of the same areas as metal-framed dentures, some dentists consider these to be prosthetics that will benefit the patient in the near future but may eventually need complete replacement, especially as patients’ wear patterns and oral health standings differ.
Patient Benefits of Choosing Partials
In many cases, flexible partial dentures are a cost-effective, conservative, and comfortable choice for replacing several missing teeth in your smile. Costs for dental prosthetics differ, so it’s important to discuss your options with our dental office. However, if you are worried about metal clasps on replacement teeth, flexible partials provide a gentler treatment option. Patients also report a highly aesthetic quality to flex partials that makes them appear more natural than their traditional counter parts.
There are many advantages to choosing these modern and comfortable teeth replacements. If you have questions about receiving partial dentures, contact our prosthodontist and general dentist at Complete Dental Care, PC to learn more about how these replacement teeth can benefit you.