Interim partial dentures are a quick way to replace one or more missing teeth. They are also called immediate partial dentures or temporary partial dentures. They are removable and are not recommended for use for longer than eight months.
Interim partial dentures are generally made of polymethyl methacrylate resin. They depend on wireframes for stability. However, nowadays, you can get partial dentures that do not depend on metal wires. Instead, they use nylon. They are lightweight and virtually undetectable.
In this article:
- When should you use interim partial dentures?
- What types of interim partial dentures are available?
- How do temporary partial dentures work?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of partial dentures?
And much more.
When should you use interim partial dentures?
1. While waiting for your permanent dentures
Your mouth is not yet healed from teeth extraction. It needs time to heal before a permanent partial denture can be put in. An interim partial denture is loose enough to be worn over healing gums.
Wearing an immediate denture can also retain the shape of your mouth while you heal. That helps your permanent partial dentures to fit easily into your mouth.
2. While undergoing some other cosmetic procedures
Numerous surgeries and a lot of healing time can often involve teeth implants. An interim partial denture allows you to feel confident while you have your smile restored.
3. While you are on a budget
If you’ve experienced sudden tooth loss and do not have enough money to pay for permanent dentures immediately, temporary partial dentures are the way to go.
Temporary partial dentures are far less expensive than permanent partial dentures. They give you time to save for a long-term solution without revealing your missing teeth.
What types of interim partial dentures are available?
Acrylic-based denture
The most common interim partial dentures consist of a base plate and a denture tooth. The components are made of acrylic resin polymers. The material offers excellent esthetics and relatively low toxicity.
Acrylic teeth are strong. They bond to the denture plate quickly. They are also comfortable to wear.
Resin partial dentures
A resin partial denture is much like the standard acrylic-based temporary partial, but it’s made from a hypoallergenic resin polymer. It is an excellent option for patients who are allergic to denture monomers. One significant advantage of this option is that your dentist can easily refit it if you experience discomfort while wearing it.
Valplast partial dentures
A Valplast partial denture is an attractive and affordable option for patients with tooth mobility due to gum disease. The material is incredibly flexible and molds nicely to the mouth. It does not place any extra pressure on the remaining teeth. The material used is a lightweight combination of nylon and thermoplastic resin.
Acetal resin partial dentures
Acetal resin partial dentures are made from a versatile resin material. Depending on your dental needs, it can be customized. It blends in with your existing teeth. This material is easy to modify if changes need to be made.
Where can I get my interim partial dentures from?
You can get your interim partial or complete dentures from a dentist or a clinical dental technician.
If you see a dentist, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a clinical dental lab to make a custom interim partial denture for you.
Instead of seeing a dentist, you can directly see a clinical dental technician who will take an impression of your teeth and make your dentures.
The technician will start their work by creating a trial denture to see if it fits your teeth properly. The trial denture will dictate what the final dentures will be like.
How to take care of your interim partial dentures?
According to Oral Health Foundation, you can do the following to take care of your dentures:
- Brush your denture daily with a soft brush or denture brush to remove any food or bacteria
- Use a non-abrasive denture cleanser or liquid soap
- Soak your dentures in water or a mild denser-cleansing solution
- Do not wear your dentures overnight
- See your dentist periodically to make sure your dentures are in good shape.
The following guidelines can also be helpful:
- Don’t soak interim partial dentures with metal attachments in chlorinated solutions
- Don’t use any bleaching material on your dentures
- Hot water can harm your dentures. Avoid using it on dentures
- Rinse your dentures thoroughly with running water
- Don’t use toothpicks.
Also Read: Denture Care: 8 Easy Tips
How do temporary partial dentures work?
The partial dentures fit into the roof of your mouth or rest on your lower jaw. Your dentist takes an impression of your teeth, and that impression is used to create a temporary partial denture that fills in the gaps left behind by your missing teeth. The base of the dentures is usually pink to blend in seamlessly with your gums.
What are the advantages of interim partial dentures?
- It’s a very quick process. It doesn’t take nearly as long to make a partial denture as it does to make a full denture. This can be a relief to patients self-conscious about their missing teeth.
- They are very affordable. A temporary partial denture is far less expensive than a permanent partial denture. It can be a good option while you save up.
- They are easy to use. Putting them in and taking them out is very easy.
- They have great aesthetics. Interim partial dentures are not noticeable and blend with your existing teeth very well, appearing natural.
- They benefit people with tooth mobility due to gum disease, as they can stabilize your natural teeth.
What are the disadvantages of interim partial dentures?
- They can sometimes be uncomfortable to wear.
- They are not as durable as permanent partial dentures.
- Some patients may be allergic to acrylic material or dental monomer. Although opting for one of the hypoallergenic options may solve this problem.
- Wearing Interim partial dentures comes with a risk of gum disease or cavities. The best way to combat this is to clean the partial denture well after eating.
- This device stops saliva from flowing over portions of your gums, and this can cause gum recession.
- The material is very flexible and fits snugly to your teeth and gums. This flexibility means that, over time, it can loosen and no longer fit.
How long does it take to get interim partial dentures?
The answer can vary quite a lot, depending on your dentist. Some dental practices are set up to create a partial denture in only one or two days, while others might take up to six weeks. The average is somewhere in the middle. Your temporary partial dentures will most likely be ready within 2-3 weeks.
How do I remove partial dentures with clasps?
Many people struggle with removing their temporary partial dentures. The dentures may fit a little tight initially, but they will loosen with use.
The dentures have clasps that hook them into your natural teeth. The clasps keep them stable and help them blend in with your natural teeth.
To take the dentures out:
- Push gently and evenly on both clasps at the same time.
- Once both clasps are pushed down, slide the denture up or down, depending on where it’s positioned in your mouth.
- Make sure to be gentle. Never yank it out or pull it from one side. This can damage the denture or irritate your gums or teeth.
- Wiggling it is the best method if you push down both clasps and the denture isn’t coming out.
Partial dentures versus bridges
Another option is a bridge if you decide a partial denture isn’t right for you. The primary difference between partial dentures and dental bridges is that partial dentures clip into your mouth with clasps and must be taken out for cleaning.
On the other hand, bridges are permanently installed into your mouth, much like a filling or crown. These prosthetic teeth adhere to teeth or implants with dental cement.
Bridges are more expensive and may not work for all dental situations.
To Wrap-Up
If you need an affordable solution fast, an interim partial denture could be your solution. It can be worn for up to eight months and can give you time to save money and prepare for a more permanent solution. It can also be worn while your mouth is healing from tooth extractions or is undergoing treatment for implants or mouth reconstruction.
Sleeping while wearing any dentures can cause several oral health issues. Dentists caution against doing this, as it can cause bacteria buildup in the mouth and interrupt the flow of saliva, which keeps gums clean. It is especially risky to leave the dentures in for over 24 hours without taking them out to clean.
You can enjoy meals and beverages while wearing interim partial dentures. It may just take a bit of getting used to wearing them. As you’re getting used to eating with them, try to choose soft and easy-to-chew foods. Avoid foods that require taking a bite first. For example:
– Apples
– Corn on the cob
– Gum
– Chewy and sticky foods, such as candy
– Tough pieces of meat
– Nuts and seeds
Sources
Rashid, Haroon, et al. “Allergic effects of the residual monomer used in denture base acrylic resins.” European Journal of Dentistry, vol. 9,4 (2015): 614-619. doi:10.4103/1305-7456.172621
Oral-B. “Dentures: Temporary & Permanent, Costs, Pros & Cons.”
NHS. “Dentures (false teeth).”
Oral Health Foundation. ‘Denture Care Guidelines.”
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