Partial Dentures — Good or Bad?

Issue 32.17

Did you stop wearing your partial denture or “partial” because it was loose or uncomfortable?  Has it since ended up in your dresser drawer or tucked away under the bathroom sink somewhere?  Did you get tired of the adjustments, excuses and even blaming?  How can something so ineffective be considered appropriate or affordable at any cost?

The answer is, it’s not–poorly designed partials are a waist of money.  You see, many dental schools have stopped teaching dentists proper partial design because dental implants are so popular.  However, there are many times when dental implants are not appropriate and sometimes not even possible.  In these situations, a well designed partial can be the best option.  The best outcomes for partials are realized when enhancement features to the anchoring teeth are made prior to making the mold.  If this step is delegated to the lab after the mold is made, it’s too late.  The enhancement features are key to the partial fitting tightly and can only be made by someone who has designed the partial in advance of making the mold.  Furthermore thin, ridged materials are best when designed properly, unlike the damaging flexible materials that have become a fad lately.

The specialty of prosthodontics is committed to preserving the art of quality partial denture design from becoming lost for the sake of improving outcomes for everyone who is suffering from missing teeth.  Prosthodontists receive years of extensive specialized training beyond dental school in appropriate and effective partial design.

Dr Rod Andrus is Southern Utah’s only board certified prosthodontist and exclusively serves adults with advanced dental needs.

Dr. Andrus can be contacted at 435-674-3100.