Dentures and No-Metal Partials

What are the different types of dentures?

Although all dentures are removable and artificial, there are many different types, and Dr. Cutts can speak with patients about which type is best for each situation. Here are some of the most common types of dentures and how they are used. 

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Traditional or complete dentures are used when all the teeth are lost due to injury or decay. They are made of porcelain or acrylic and secured by suction and dental adhesives. 

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Partial dentures are for patients who have only some teeth missing. They are removable but are secured through metal clips rather than adhesives. Immediately after a patient’s teeth have been extracted, they can be provided with immediate or temporary dentures to chew and speak clearly while waiting for a more permanent solution. 

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Snap-on dentures are crowns that can be removed. They stay secure by snapping onto a surgically placed implant in the jawbone.

Metal-Free Partial Dentures

Partial dentures use your natural teeth to replace teeth that are missing. They use a clasp to attach the replacement tooth to your real teeth. Metal-free partial dentures are typically made of acrylic or plastic. Because this type of partials does not include metal clasps, they tend to be slightly larger than metal partials. However, advances in denture technology have made them equal in comfort to metal dentures.

One of the biggest advantages of metal-free partial dentures is their cost. They are significantly less expensive than metal partials, making them much more accessible to most people who require them. This also makes them a better fit for people who might lose more teeth down the line—they are easier to replace.

Benefits of No-Metal Partials

Natural Appearance - made from materials that closely resemble the natural color and appearance of gums and teeth

Comfortable - Created lightweight, making no-metal partials more comfortable than traditional metal dentures.

Durable - Materials used in metal-free partial dentures are still robust and can withstand the forces of chewing and speaking well.

Affordable - No-metal Partials are considerably more affordable than metal dentures. 

Adaptable - Metal-free partials are a wiser investment for patients who may lose more teeth in the future. No-metal partials can be replaced or customized for a small cost, whereas metal partials are more expensive to change and adapt if more teeth are lost.