PARTIAL DENTURE SERVICES IN BENDIGO

A partial denture is a removable appliance replacing one or more missing natural teeth. It is supported by the remaining natural teeth and gums. It replaces what is lost and preserves what is left.

A partial denture offers improved appearance and function. It helps maintain the remaining natural teeth, improves speech and certainly improves the ability to chew.

Gum tissue and bone structure covered by a denture is constantly changing and tends to gradually shrink or recede. It is therefore necessary that your partial denture be replaced regularly (5-7 years depending on individual circumstances).

Natural teeth are also continually wearing down due to biting and chewing forces. Conservation of remaining natural teeth is enhanced, and wear and tear is minimised by distributing these forces evenly to all teeth including denture teeth. A partial denture plays a large part in minimising the wear of natural teeth.

A partial denture situated around the remaining natural teeth and opposing a full denture usually results in the full denture being more successful and stable. This is due to the better balance and distribution of all biting, chewing, swallowing and speaking forces.

Cast Metal dentures are generally more expensive than acrylic dentures. They are thinner and smaller in the mouth than acrylic dentures therefore having less impact on speech. Cast metal dentures offer greater strength, stability and comfort as well as support for remaining natural teeth. Because of the rigid frame it is also possible to distribute biting and chewing forces onto the remaining natural teeth and supporting gum by the use of metal rests. Cast metal dentures are stronger, have a greater resistance to fatigue and are less likely to break under normal conditions. Repair, reline or addition of further teeth is more difficult and in some cases a new denture may be required. 

Acrylic partial dentures are lower in cost. They are generally advised where remaining natural teeth condition is doubtful or further tooth loss is likely. But they are generally thicker and more bulky in the mouth and therefore more likely to impact on comfort, eating and speech. They are easier to repair, reline or add further teeth too. Acrylic dentures can be used in almost all cases however they are not necessarily the best option for the majority of cases. Acrylic dentures are light weight but weaker and can fracture or break more easily due to biting and chewing forces.