What Are Flexible Partial Dentures?
If most of your teeth are healthy except for a few that may be missing or damaged, you can easily restore your smile to its previous glory with flexible partial dentures. If you’ve wondered how they differ from traditional dentures, here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Flexible Partial Dentures?
Traditional dentures are made from a hard, rigid resin or acrylic. Though they are significantly more comfortable, durable, and lightweight than historical versions, these dentures are still subject to breakage and some people find them uncomfortable. Flexible partial dentures are made of a softer, more flexible resin.
Flexible partial dentures are designed to replace a single tooth or a few teeth rather than a full set of teeth. Rather than connecting to existing teeth with a metal clasp, they also have a comfortable, more aesthetically pleasing flexible metal clasp.
Flexible partial dentures are most commonly used as a temporary tooth loss solution while awaiting a more permanent fix (such as implant dentures). They are considerably more difficult to repair and reline than traditional dentures so their usable life is shorter. However, on some occasions they are used as a permanent tooth replacement – particularly for people who may not be a good candidate for bridgework or implants.
Why Choose Flexible Partial Dentures?
There are several reasons to choose flexible partial dentures, including:
- They cost less than traditional dentures.
- They are more resistant to staining.
- They are less likely to break since they are not rigid.
- Some wearers find them more comfortable.
- They help preserve the health of remaining teeth.
- They prevent remaining teeth from shifting.
- They are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
- They are more lightweight.
- Many people find them easier to adjust to than traditional rigid dentures.
