Temporary partial denture
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| Before and after |
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| Temporary partial denture |
A wonderful option for many dental patients in a pinch is a temporary partial denture. It can be used in emergency, and long term complex care situations. It provides good aesthetics at low cost.
What is a temporary partial denture?
A temporary partial denture or” treatment partial” is an oral appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. Historically these temporary partial dentures were called “flippers”. The temporary partial is usually made of pink plastic to mimic the gum tissue. It is removable and, will have one or several teeth set in the plastic, and usually a few wire clasps that clip onto back teeth.
Why does someone need a temporary partial denture?
If a permanent dental restoration will be made later, a temporary partial helps to maintain the position of the remaining teeth and provide esthetics and function. Since it is made of plastic, the temporary partial will not be sturdy enough to last through several years of wear.
Another version of a temporary partial is called an "Essex” appliance are made of a clear material that fits over the remaining teeth like a clear glove. It has plastic teeth embedded in it. The Essex is less sturdy.
What types of situations would benefit from a temporary partial.
When teeth are missing and cannot be immediately replaced such as :
- After tooth extraction
- After implant placement
- A child still growing and developing
- A complicated treatment plan requiring multiple phases of treatment over time
- Financial reason preventing a patient from completing all treatment
A temporary partial denture is very adaptable to changing dental situations while still offering function and aesthetics. You can trim it back, add teeth, and repair it rather easily. It can be made quickly and is fairly inexpensive.
Does a temporary partial denture affect your speech or eating?
At first, a temporary partial will feel strange in the mouth. You will have more saliva for a few days as you get used to it. Your tongue will need to learn a new position for certain sounds, and practicing reading our loud will help you adapt. Food will feel different, especially when you have an upper flipper. These sensations can usually be handled within a short period of time.
What if you have a gag reflex?
Your dentist will try to design a temporary partial denture that does not rest in areas that cause gagging. You may need a few adjustments to fine tune it. One solution that I have recommended is the eating mints to distract your mouth.
How do you care for a temporary partial denture?
Here are some do’s and don’ts:
- After meals and before going to bed, rinse and brush the temporary partial. Also rinse out our mouth and brush if possible at this time.
- Keep it in a soak with a denture cleaner to keep it fresh.
- Keep it well away from areas where pets can reach it (dogs will chew it up).
- Be Careful with the clasps as they are easily bent out of shape and will often require a visit to the dentist to correct.
- DO NOT soak it in alcohol based mouthwash as this will dry it out.
- DO NOT keep it in your pocket unless you want to lose or break it.
- When placing it in your mouth, DO NOT drop it in the general vicinity and bite it into place (you will bend a wire or break it).
- DO NOT flick it in and out of your mouth with your tongue as this will cause wear of it and your teeth.
- DO NOT attempt to repair or adjust it yourself as improper adjusting may result in you buying a new one or paying for a repair.
- DO NOT attempt to repair it with “Super Glue”. Take it to the dentist.
Does dental insurance cover a temporary partial denture?
Insurance rarely covers “temporary restorations”. Be careful because if they do cover the temporary partial, they may not cover the final restoration. Discuss this with your dentist and get clear direction from your insurance company.
Dr Neal answers all of your questions about temporary partial dentures.
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