4 Types Of Partial Dentures To Discuss With Your Dentist

If you are missing several teeth in a row, your dentist may recommend a partial denture to replace them. However, partial dentures are not one-size-fits-all devices. Rather, there are several different types of partial dentures, and you should discuss each of them with your dentist to get a better idea of which one might be right for you.

Light Alloy Dentures

Light alloy dentures are made from a lightweight metal. Because they are so light, they are not overly noticeable in your mouth. However, the metal used is still hard enough to be durable. These dentures are usually made with gum-colored plastic that goes up to your existing teeth. Generally, this plastic portion is made as small as possible so that more of your gums can be exposed to air. The air exposure is good for your gum tissue and helps to prevent bacterial infections and abrasions.

Hypoallergenic Dentures

Some patients are allergic or sensitive to the plastics used in standard partial dentures. If you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to latex, nickel, or any other materials worn against your skin in the past, then you should look into this option. Your dentist may want to allergy test you for various materials to confirm whether you really need hypoallergenic dentures first, since they can be pretty costly compared to the other types of dentures on this list.

Flexible Dentures

Whereas most partial dentures are made from metal and plastics, flexible dentures are made from a nylon resin that bends and flexes easily. You can insert the dentures just by pushing this molded resin around your existing teeth. Flexible dentures work really well for patients who are missing teeth in several different parts of their mouths. They are comfortable and easy to insert, but they may not be stable if you are missing too many teeth.

Plastic Dentures

All-plastic dentures are often the most affordable option. Your dentist will have them custom made according to the shape of your mouth, and you can have them within a few days. The downside to all-plastic dentures is that they don't look as natural as some of the other types on this list. Also, if your mouth shape changes, you will probably need new ones. Flexible dentures are, by comparison, better as they will fit no matter how much your mouth shape changes.

To learn more about these types of dentures, talk to your dentist. They can give you estimates, which will help you plan better financially, too. You can also visit a website such as https://www.vanyodentistry.com/ for more information.

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