Partial Dentures in Malta

What are Partial Dentures?
Partial Dentures are the dental appliances used for the replacement of a single missing tooth or a set of teeth in either the maxillary or mandibular dental arch. They are particularly beneficial for people who have lost only a few teeth from their oral cavity while the rest of their teeth are in good condition. The dentures are custom-made for each individual patient and are constructed by a prosthodontist or a denturist. Partial Dentures are the artificial teeth which are used to fill up gaps created due to tooth loss and to restore the functional integrity of missing structures. Missing teeth are aesthetically unappealing and often lead to the build-up of food and bacteria over the gum tissue which may result in disease. Partial Dentures help improve the aesthetics of the mouth and also the process of mastication.

What are the types of Partial Dentures?
Partial Dentures can be divided into two broad categories:

• Removable Partial Dentures
  Removable Partial Dentures are the most economical option and are made of an acrylic base material. These dentures can be removed and replaced back in position by the patient. But as the dentures cover some of the gum tissue they may be uncomfortable for some patients.
• Fixed Partial Dentures
  Fixed Partial Dentures can be further classified into two types:
  
  • Dental Bridges
    Dental bridges are supported by healthy teeth on either side of the missing teeth, while the prosthesis is supported by adjacent implants that are placed in the oral cavity.
  • Implant Supported Prosthesis
    These are also known as Permanent Partial Dentures, which cannot be removed by the patient on their own and are permanent once fixed in the oral cavity. Implant Supported Prosthesis are particularly beneficial if more than three adjacent teeth are missing and can help reduce the cost of implants for each of the missing teeth.

How many visits to the clinic are required?
Removable Partial Dentures and Dental Bridges usually require two sittings with the dentist while Implant Supported Prosthesis may require more sessions and subsequent visits to the dentist as the procedure for implant placement is included in the process. The total recovery time for the procedure may be more than 6 months because implants need to undergo osseous integration with the underlying bone structure.

How long does each visit take?
Removable Dentures are the easiest to fit and they require two sessions which last no longer than 10 minutes. Bridge construction involves crown preparation on the adjacent teeth providing support for the denture and may take an hour to complete, while the final visit takes around 10-15 minutes. Implant placement is a lengthy procedure and can take up to an hour. This procedure also requires many further sittings with the dentist.

How long will the Partial Dentures last?
Fixed Partial Dentures and Implant Supported Dentures are long-lasting and their longevity is dependent on the health of the supporting teeth, the age of the patient, the bone resorption rate and any underlying medical illnesses.
Removable Partial Dentures may become loose after a certain time due to bone resorption and tissue molding. As with complete dentures, Partial Dentures require frequent relining and rebasing.

What kind of dentist makes Partial Dentures?
Partial Dentures are constructed by a prosthodontist who is a specialist in the field. They may also be made by a general dentist.