Removable Partial Dentures: Everything You Need to Know

Losing one or more teeth can be traumatizing, but you don’t need to hide your smile any longer. Removable partial dentures, or RPDs, offer many benefits to help restore your ability to eat comfortably and confidently, speak, and smile. Many patients find RPDs to be a more affordable and less invasive solution compared to alternatives like dental implants or fixed partial dentures.

What Are Removable Partial Dentures?

Removable partial dentures are custom-made dental appliances that replace missing teeth by attaching a pink or gum-coloured base to your remaining natural teeth. RPDs have replacement teeth incorporated into them and are meant to restore the form and function of your natural teeth. They are designed to be removable, so you can take them out for cleaning. They can replace single or multiple missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

Types of Removable Partial Dentures

There are three main types of RPDs:

1. Cast metal partials

The most common type, cast metal partial dentures, has a metal framework that provides strength and retention through metal clasps that grip your natural teeth. Though somewhat visible, these RPDs are very durable if properly cared for.

2. Acrylic partials

Best suited for those missing back teeth, acrylic partials have an acrylic resin base with replacement teeth and visible metal clasps. They are the least expensive type but not as durable as a cast metal RPD.

3. Flexible partial dentures

For those with allergies to metal or acrylic, flexible partial dentures are made from a thin type of thermoplastic that allows them to be lightweight and comfortable in the mouth while still being strong. They are also the most expensive type but can be easily altered to fit your mouth as it changes.

How Do Removable Partial Dentures Work?

RPDs work by replacing the lost teeth and gum tissue with an acrylic, metal, or plastic base that attaches partial or full denture teeth where your missing teeth were. The base incorporates metal clasps or attachments that surround some of your natural teeth to securely hold the RPD in place in your mouth. The replacement teeth will fill in the gaps left by your missing teeth, whether they are front teeth or back molars. With RPDs, patients regain up to 90% of their original chewing capacity.

Problems with Removable Partial Dentures

While quite effective at replacing missing teeth when properly made and cared for, removable partial dentures still come with some potential problems patients should be aware of:

1. Loss of suction: Over time, as your gums and bone structure change, dentures may loosen and no longer fit properly. Regular dental visits for readjustments are necessary.
2. Irritation and sores: Improperly fitting RPDs can rub and cause irritation or painful sores in your mouth. Getting them adjusted in a timely prevents this.
3. Difficulty eating and speaking: At first, eating and speaking with RPDs can be challenging. Be patient, start soft, and go slow while your mouth gets used to them.
4. Breakage: Handle acrylic RPDs with care, as they can break under pressure from chewing hard foods. The metal and flexible partials are not as prone to breakage.
5. De-bonding: Sometimes, the bond attaching artificial teeth to the RPD base can fail. Visit your dentist promptly for repair.

Removable Partial Denture Solutions

If you begin experiencing irritation, discomfort, or embarrassment from a loose or poorly fitting removable partial denture, promptly visit your dentist for an assessment. Most RPD issues can be resolved through one of these solutions:

• Simple Repair

Minor breakage or de-bonding of teeth from the base or clasp damage can often be fixed quickly through a simple repair appointment.

• Reline Procedure

If, over time, your RPD feels loose due to gum changes, getting it relined with new material pressed and moulded over the inside surface of the base can refit it securely to your gums again.

• Partial Rebase

If only a portion of your RPD is loose or fitting poorly, a localized rebase over just that section can save you some cost over getting the whole RPD rebased.

• Complete Rebase

Similar to a reline but involves replacing the whole base of the RPD for patients experiencing generalized looseness from gum changes. This completely refits the RPD securely.

Removable Partial Denture Care Tips

Proper care is crucial to avoid issues with your removable partial dentures. Follow these helpful tips:

• Brush your dentures over a folded towel twice per day using a denture brush and non-abrasive toothpaste, denture cream, or soap.
• Rinse well after each meal to remove debris, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture-soaking solution.
• Use a denture adhesive if you find your RPDs are too loose for comfort. Only use adhesives made for dentures.
• Schedule routine dental check-ups every six months for examination, cleaning, and adjustments to ensure your RPDs continue fitting properly.
• Handle your RPDs carefully, especially the acrylic type that can crack or break more easily than the cast metal partials.

Bottom Line

If you are struggling with missing teeth that make eating and smiling difficult or embarrassing, talk to our experienced dentists about whether removable partial dentures could be the right solution for you. We create custom RPDs tailored to your mouth and to comfortably replace your specific missing teeth.

From your initial consultation and teeth impressions to regular care and maintenance down the road, we are here to guide you through the entire process. Contact Bayswater Dentist today online or by calling to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward confidently and comfortably filling those gaps from missing teeth again.