A partial denture is an appliance that replaces missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. It supports and works in harmony with an existing denture and functions compatibly with any remaining teeth to ensure normal chewing function and efficiency.
Partial dentures also maintain proper contact between upper and lower teeth as well as spacing between existing natural teeth. This helps to prevent malocclusion and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
During all phases of partial denture construction, we work in cooperation with both patients and their dentists. Further, in set-up, construction, and processing of partial dentures, we use the same materials, training, and techniques used in our other denture specialties.
Frameworks
Frameworks are the part of a partial denture that connect the denture to your natural teeth. At Vernon Denture Clinic, we provide various framework options depending on your denture needs.
Metal-Free Frameworks
Digitally-produced metal-free partial dentures provide a stronger, lighter, superior product to replace metal in partial dentures. There are several benefits to these materials:
- Health – the materials are non-abrasive, shock-absorbing, hypoallergenic, and have similar flexual properties as bone
- Comfort – partial dentures can be metal-free, lightweight, strong, and have a natural feel
- Convenience – dentures can be made with a quick turnaround time, often in two appointments completed in one week
Cast Metal Partial Frameworks
For long-term partial denture use, a cast metal framework is often incorporated into the denture to achieve lightness and strength and to prevent breakage.
The metal fram conforms to the shape of the remaining natural teeth and provides loading to the teeth for improved function, comfort, and longevity.
At Vernon Denture Clinic, we provide cast frameworks in two specific metals:
Chrome Cobalt
Chrome Cobalt (Co-Cr) alloys are the most common partial metal alloys with the longest history of use.
Co-Cr dentures are more stable and fit better than acrylic partial dentures. They have higher dimensional stability compared to acrylic, meaning they will not change their shape as easily. They are also less porous than acrylic, leading to less accumulation of food, plaque, and calculus on the denture’s surface.
Titanium
For some patients, Titainium or Titanium alloys may be preferable to Co-Cr as titanium alloys are more bio-compatable and lighter than Co-Cr.
For patients with allergies or tissue reactions to other types of metals, titanium causes far fewer reactions and irritations.
Acrylic Partial Frameworks
The base portion of an acrylic partial denture is made out of gum-colored acrylic or plastic. The metal tooth clasps are embedded in this plastic base.
Acrylic partial frameworks tend to cost less than other frameworks, so can provide an affordable partial denture solution, particularly for temporary dentures like transitional or immediate partial dentures.
As well, if you lose more natural teeth, additional artificial teeth can usually be added to your existing acrylic partial denture.
In general, however, acrylic frameworks are typically considered less desirable than cast metal ones in terms of function, strength, durability, and their effect on a patient’s natural teeth. They are also often larger and bulkier in the patient’s mouth, to compensate for the acrylic’s weakness.