How Long Does a Partial Denture Last?

With age, the inevitable happens. Between 35 and 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 result is tooth extraction.

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 worried about, and it's as natural as white hair and wrinkles.

The best option, and the most expensive, is a tooth implant.

Though it is one of dentistry's best inventions, it has limited takers because it is expensive and time-consuming. Small holes have to be drilled into the jaw, and tiny titanium screws are placed in them. When the jaw heals, after around 12 weeks, a crown is screwed on.

Needless to say, some people do not like the idea of dental implants, or the investment is too high for them. As you age, and as your 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 excellent alternative to an implant, there isn't enough space to place 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 replaces non-adjacent teeth. Sometimes a bridge is also called a fixed partial denture because of the 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 easily remove it, clean it, and put it back in your mouth.

They are made from metal and acrylic.

Dentists have created many designs to make the denture less noticeable and more efficient.

Cast Metal Partial Denture

Since they are made of metal (usually some 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 made entirely of synthetic materials. Instead of hooks attaching them to teeth, they hold on to the gum by creating pressure. The plus point is that they look quite natural and inconspicuous.

Flippers

These are partial dentures that can be removed with ease. They are lightweight and 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 must be made specifically for each 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. It is best to complete any necessary extractions before making a denture. It’s not that one more missing tooth will add to the cost.

Next, the dentist takes an impression of your upper and lower jaw using a soft, impression-like material.

Some dental practitioners make wax models, while others proceed directly to create the final denture.

The dentist fits the denture and makes several adjustments. 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 large; they're foreign in your mouth.

When you eat, you may feel discomfort.

In about a month, your gums will coexist with the denture. Your tongue will adjust to the prosthesis, and you'll 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.

The human jaw changes shape as you lose bone due to aging, and with that, you may need new dentures.

The average annual cost is negligible. You do need to visit your dentist once every year or two to make sure the denture is fitting correctly.

It is far more likely that, before your current dentures break, you will lose a couple more teeth and need new dentures. In brief, they seldom wear out, and if they do, repairs are 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. Don't place them elsewhere.