How Long Does a Partial Denture Last?

How Long Does a Partial Denture Last?

5th October 2021

With age, the inevitable happens. Between 35-49, the average adult has lost 2-3 teeth and has fillings in another 8.

Teeth have to do a lot of work. Though the surface is made of enamel, one of the hardest substances known, they inevitably crack or develop cavities.

One of the results is the extraction of the teeth

But how do you chew if a few are missing? The most affordable option is a partial denture.

What is a partial denture?

There are several options when the teeth start falling out. It’s nothing to be ashamed of or get worried about and is as natural as white hair and wrinkles.

The best option with the highest investment is to get a tooth implant.

Though it is one of the best inventions by dentists, the choice has limited takers because it is expensive and long drawn out. Small holes have to be drilled into the jaw and tiny titanium screws placed in them. When the jaw heals, after around12 weeks, a crown is screwed on.

Needless to say, some people do not like the idea of dental implants or simply the investment is too high for them. As you age, and the bone structure changes, an implant may need a lot of care.

The next option is to have a bridge. A bridge is an artificial tooth, without any roots (unlike an implant), that is anchored to teeth on both sides by a crown/cap. While a bridge is a lower-cost and perfect alternative to the implant, there is not enough space to insert more than a couple at most.

If you have lost quite a few of your teeth, a partial denture is the best alternative. It is highly affordable and needs no surgery. The difference between a bridge and a partial denture is that the former is used to replace one or more adjacent teeth. A partial denture is for replacing non-adjacent teeth. Sometimes a bridge is also called a fixed partial denture because of similarity of design.

Types of partial denture

A denture is a prosthesis that has a palatal bar, or plate, and artificial teeth fused to it. You can remove it easily, wash it and place it back in your mouth.

They are made from metal and acrylic.

There are many designs, as dentists have tried to make the denture less noticeable and more efficient.

Cast Metal Partial Denture

Since it is made of metal (usually some type of nickel alloy), they are strong and durable. Of course, the metal part is not visible and is either hidden behind other teeth or encased in synthetic material.

Flexible Partial Dentures

They have no metal components and are purely synthetic. Instead of hooks attaching them to teeth, they hold on to the gum by creating pressure. The plus point is that it looks quite natural and inconspicuous.

Flippers

These are partial dentures that can be removed with ease. They are lightweight, easy to wear, but also crack easily. For this reason, they are not a permanent solution to missing teeth.

How are they made?

Dentures are unique. They have to be made specifically for a patient because everyone has a different jaw shape.

At first, your dentist would inspect your mouth and make a note of which teeth are missing. If any extractions need to happen it is better to have the procedure done prior to making a denture. It’s not that one more missing tooth will add to the cost.

Following this, he will take an impression of your upper and lower jaw on soft soap-like material.

Some dental practitioners would have wax models made while others might proceed to create the final denture.

The denture is fitted and several adjustments are made. You might need to return to the dentist a few times to fine-tune the contours.

At first, you might feel a little pain and distress. Most dentures are quite large and it is odd to have something foreign in your mouth.

When you eat there could be discomfort.

In about a month your gums would come to co-exist with the denture. The tongue would adjust itself to the prosthesis and you would be less aware of it. In some ways, it is like your first eyeglasses. First, you can’t seem to keep it on, and then you can’t do without it.

There is no way to understand from the outside who is wearing a denture. In fact, modern dentures are so well constructed that unless you take them off no one would know.

What is the cost of partial dentures?

When it comes to dentistry, everyone is scared of high prices. A tooth implant can cost £2500. Imagine if you need seven!

Partial dentures cost between £650 and £2000. Acrylic dentures are cheaper, while metal designs cost more.

For most patients, a budget of £1200 per denture suffices.

At Natural Smiles we offer you full and partial, metal or acrylic dentures at very affordable prices.

How long do Partial dentures last?

Dentures have quite a long life. A good set would last you a decade or more.

What happens is the human jaw changes shape as you lose bone due to aging and with that, new dentures are needed.

The average cost on an annual basis is negligible. You do need to visit your dentist once every year or two to find if the denture is sitting correctly.

It is a far more likely scenario that before the current dentures break, you would lose a couple of more teeth and need new dentures. In brief, they seldom wear out and if they do, the repair is cheap and easy.

Looking after your dentures

Dentures need regular soaking. They cannot be left exposed to air. When you go to bed, put them in a glass of water. Do you feel that makes you old? Fret not.

Clean the dentures daily. Use a soft toothbrush and soap or a dental cleaner. Soak the denture in warm water and remove all debris.

Dentures rarely fall out of your mouth. But if they do, wash them gently and slip them back on. It is not a good idea to place them elsewhere.