If you have lost multiple teeth from your upper palate, your dentist may suggest an upper partial denture to replace them. Unlike full dentures, which replace all the teeth of the upper palate, an upper partial appliance is used when some natural teeth remain in the upper jaw.

Traditional partials are removable appliances like their full counterparts. Nevertheless, conventional full upper dentures are held in position by the suction that is created as the base of the denture rests against the soft tissues of the roof of the mouth. Partial dentures are rarely held in place by suction alone since the device only replaces a few teeth, and its base is not as large as that of a full denture.

Both partial and full dentures are created from a mold of the patient's mouth, so they are fully customized. One patient could not comfortably wear the denture of another patient.

Additionally, the appliances are further customized by their type.

There are multiple types of partial dentures. Here are a few of them.

Fixed Bridges

Partial dentures are sometimes called bridges. A fixed bridge is not removable. Instead, it is held in place by bridge crowns that are positioned on each end of the appliance. The crowns are placed over the abutment teeth that border the gap left by your missing tooth or teeth.

If an abutment tooth is missing, the fixed bridge may still be an option. The device can be attached to dental implants for stabilization.

Acrylic Partials

Acrylic partials are some of the most common options selected. With this type of partial, the prosthetic acrylic teeth are attached to a pink base that is also made of acrylic. The thickness of the acrylic material helps ensure that the appliance does not easily break.

Acrylic partial dentures are held in place by metal clasps that attach to your remaining natural teeth.

Cast Metal Partials

Instead of an acrylic base, cast metal partials have a base that is fashioned from metal. The false teeth of the appliance are still typically made of acrylic.

With cast metal dentures, the devices are also connected to the natural teeth by metal clasps.

Flexible Partials

Flexible partial dentures are often deemed more comfortable than their metal and acrylic counterparts. Made from a thin plastic material, flexible dentures are more pliable.

If you have lost multiple teeth and would like to learn more about partial dentures, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.