Expert: Rishi Verma, D.D.S. - 3/24/2007

Question
QUESTION: Could you tell me if there is a way to "cut corners" on regular partial dentures with metal clasps. I mean materials. Is there a big difference in their durability and price? Thanks a lot.
ANSWER: Hello David,

I don't think "cutting corners" is a good idea with your dentures.  Partial dentures can be fabricated out of metal with teeth attached, or out of plastic, which also have metal clasps attached.

The plastic ones are generally cheaper, but may also be less durable in the long run.

If you can affaord them, I would opt for the metal partial dentures, if your case allows them.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Rishi Verma, DDS

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Oh, I thought that in chromium-cobalt ones, only the clasps are metal. So what is metal in metal ones? Even the "gums", the pink parts? Aren't the teeth plastic? And in plastic dentures, what are the metal clasps made of, different than chromium-cobalt?
Thank you very much.

Answer
In chromium-cobalt ones, if they are upper partials, then the clasps, as well as a portion of the denture that fits over the hard palate is metal.  There are different designs which may be full or partial palatal coverage.

The gums are attached to the metal, so you really may not see the metal in your mouth for the upper partials, except for the clasps.  The teeth are plastic, yes.

For lower partials, the metal portion is the clasps, plus the portion that connects behind your lower teeth on the tongue side of your gums.

For acrylic dentures, the clasps are only metal, and they are embedded in the dentures.  They are not a part of the metal framework, as they are in metal partials dentures.

Hope this helps.

Rishi Verma, DDS