Losing one or several teeth doesn't just create a gap in your smile; it can affect your ability to chew properly and cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of place. For patients who are not candidates for a fixed bridge or dental implants, or for those seeking a removable and cost-effective solution, a custom-made partial denture is an excellent choice. At İnci Diş, we design and craft high-quality partial dentures that do more than just fill a space. They restore proper chewing function, improve speech, support your facial features, and prevent the long-term dental problems associated with missing teeth. We utilize a range of modern materials and techniques to create partial dentures that are not only functional but also comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
Why Is It Important to Replace Even a Few Missing Teeth?
It can be tempting to ignore a few missing teeth, especially if they are not in the front of your mouth. However, leaving these gaps untreated can lead to a cascade of dental issues over time.
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Shifting Teeth: The teeth adjacent to the gap will naturally start to drift and tilt into the empty space, leading to a crooked smile and bite problems.
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Super-Eruption: The tooth in the opposing jaw may begin to grow down (or up) into the gap, exposing its root and creating further bite imbalances.
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Chewing Difficulties: An uneven distribution of chewing forces can put excess stress on your remaining teeth, leading to premature wear and tear.
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Bone Loss: The jawbone in the area of the missing tooth is no longer stimulated and will begin to slowly deteriorate over time. A partial denture effectively acts as a placeholder, maintaining the harmony and stability of your entire dental arch.
Exploring Your Options: Types of Partial Dentures at İnci Diş
There is no one-size-fits-all solution in modern prosthodontics. We offer several types of partial dentures, and our experts will help you select the one that best suits your oral health, aesthetic desires, and budget.
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Cast Metal Partial Dentures: These are considered the gold standard for strength and durability. They consist of prosthetic teeth set in a gum-coloured acrylic base, all supported by an incredibly strong yet thin framework made of a cobalt-chrome alloy. This metal framework rests on the natural teeth and is held in place by small, precise metal clasps. Because the framework is so thin and strong, it is less bulky and generally more comfortable and hygienic than an all-acrylic option.
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Flexible Partial Dentures (Valplast®): For patients whose primary concern is aesthetics and comfort, flexible dentures are a revolutionary choice. Made from a durable, biocompatible thermoplastic resin, these dentures are metal-free. Instead of visible metal clasps, they use thin, flexible, gum-coloured clasps that blend seamlessly with your natural gums, making them virtually invisible. They are extremely lightweight, comfortable, and an excellent option for patients with allergies to metal.
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Acrylic Partial Dentures: Often referred to as "flippers," these are typically the most cost-effective option. The entire denture, including the base and clasps, is made from pink acrylic. While they are highly functional, they tend to be bulkier than cast metal or flexible dentures and are often used as a temporary or transitional solution while a patient waits for a more permanent restoration like a dental implant.
The Modern Approach to Partial Dentures: Aesthetics and Comfort
At İnci Diş, we focus on leveraging modern materials to overcome the traditional drawbacks of partial dentures. Our flexible Valplast-type dentures are a patient favourite because they eliminate the primary aesthetic concern: visible metal clasps. The custom-designed, tissue-coloured clasps hug the gum line discreetly, so you can smile and laugh without worrying that anyone will notice your appliance. Furthermore, the inherent flexibility of the material allows the denture to adapt closely to the constant, subtle movements of your mouth, providing superior comfort and retention throughout the day without the rigid feel of older-style partials.
Comparing Partial Dentures with Other Tooth Replacement Options
During your consultation, we believe in providing a full overview of all your options so you can make a truly informed decision.
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vs. Dental Bridge: A fixed bridge is a permanent solution that uses the teeth on either side of a gap as anchors for a prosthetic tooth. It offers excellent stability but requires the alteration (grinding down) of healthy adjacent teeth. A partial denture does not require this alteration.
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vs. Dental Implants: Dental implants are the premium solution, replacing a tooth root and crown permanently without affecting other teeth. They offer the best function and prevent bone loss. A partial denture is a more budget-friendly and less invasive alternative, especially for replacing multiple teeth in different locations within the same arch.
The Custom Fabrication Process for Your Partial Denture
Creating a partial denture that fits perfectly requires meticulous attention to detail. The process at our Istanbul clinic involves several key steps:
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Consultation and Impressions: We start by assessing your remaining teeth and gums and taking highly accurate impressions to create a model of your mouth.
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Framework and Bite Registration: For cast metal partials, we will have a try-in appointment to ensure the metal framework fits perfectly. At this stage, we also record your bite to ensure your new teeth will meet correctly.
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Wax Try-In: Similar to the full denture process, we create a wax version with the final prosthetic teeth set in place. This allows you to see and approve the aesthetics (tooth shape, color, and position) before the denture is completed.
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Final Delivery and Adjustments: At your final appointment, you will receive your finished partial denture. Our prosthodontist will make any necessary minor adjustments to the clasps and base to ensure a snug, comfortable fit and will provide you with instructions on how to insert, remove, and care for your new appliance.
Care and Maintenance for Your Partial Denture
Proper hygiene is crucial for the health of both your denture and your remaining natural teeth. It's important to remove your partial denture daily for cleaning. Brush the appliance gently with a soft brush and denture cleanser to remove food particles and plaque. You must also continue to brush and floss your natural teeth diligently, paying special attention to the areas around the clasps. Storing your denture in water when not in use will keep it from warping. Regular check-ups at İnci Diş are essential to allow us to monitor your oral health and the fit of your denture.