Cast Partial Denture: Treatment, Procedure, Cost And Side Effects

A denture is a removable frame or plate used for the purpose of holding one or multiple artificial teeth, as a replacement for missing teeth in the mouth. A cast partial denture is a removable partial denture made up of a cast metal framework which houses the artificial teeth. The teeth are usually set in an acrylic resin. Cast partial dentures are generally stronger and more durable than the usual acrylic dentures, but also more expensive and complexly formed, due to the various processes involved and amount of time required. They are designed for individual patients with specific measurements. Cast partial dentures cause minimal tissue damage in the mouth, reduces the stress on the other teeth, prevent other teeth from shifting, have greater reliability and durability than acrylic dentures. They also require minimal direct retention in comparison to acrylics.

Fabricating cast partial dentures involves multiple dental visits. The dentures must be uniquely designed on the basis of the dental conditions of the individual. The process begins with taking dental impressions of the upper and lower dental arches. These are used to fabricate study models for preparing the dentures. Dentists are required to perform a procedure known as mouth preparation which involves modifying and shifting some teeth in order to place and stabilise the dentures. The final mouth impressions for creating the dentures are taken only after the mouth preparation process is completed. This final impression and the first impression are used to for a final model which is used in fabricating the metal framework of the cast partial denture. This involves work by dental technicians in dental laboratories and can be time consuming as it requires great precision. Then, the metal framework is tried and tested by the patient to check the design and accuracy. Fitting and retention are very important. There may be more adjustments to the framework according to these requirements. After the metal framework has been finalised, the dentists begin work on the bite or occlusion of the patient. This involves a process known as bite registration. The dentist also selects a shade for the dentures based on the colour of the patient’s other teeth. The artificial teeth are placed in the framework based on the bite registration. The end result is a set of trial dentures which are tested by the patient before the casting of the final partial dentures. In the next visit, the dentures are fitted in the patient’s mouth and adjustments are made for stabilisation, fit retention, aesthetics, and occlusion. The patient also receives clear instructions about proper care of the new dentures.

Cast partial dentures are mainly required by aging people who have begun losing teeth, which has led to problems or discomfort in communicating or eating. In certain cases, they may also be suitable for people who have prematurely lost teeth due to medical conditions or injuries. Dentures are a substitute for the missing teeth, in order to relieve the stress upon the remaining teeth which may have been taking up excessive strains. Missing teeth would also leave gaps which would be the breeding ground for oral hygiene issues and germs. Over a period of time, this can also lead to stress upon the gums and muscles in the mouth, leading to inflammation or infections. Dentures are particularly useful in increasing the quality of life of people and allowing them to feel more confident about their appearance.

The procedure required for making and using dentures is generally long, but it is suitable for almost all people. The only restrictions may be upon people who have a history of allergies to any of the materials used in the dentures, but even this can be fixed with the help of substitutes in most cases. In case a person has very few teeth or the remaining teeth are not in a position to support the partial dentures, they may have to opt for other methods such as implants or full dentures instead of cast partial ones.

The primary side effects are that the dentures are comparatively heavy due to the presence of the metal cast, which may be annoying to many patients, and may cause discomfort over a period of time. The teeth are also less aesthetically pleasing that acrylic denture. Moreover, they are irreparable if damaged, and must be replace, which involves a very lengthy process. They require high maintenance, and are fragile, and may causes damage to surrounding gum tissue or teeth if not designed and cleaned properly They cannot prevent the impacts caused by lateral stresses. It must also be noted that dentures do not have the same chewing efficiency as natural teeth and may also affect the taste of food. In case any patient reports any other complexity after undergoing the treatment the patient is advised to consult the doctor immediately.

Patients are provided with all necessary information in the post- treatment period. They are instructed to take good care of the dentures, with regular brushing, and good oral hygiene They are also encouraged to pay more attention to dental health that usual during the initial few months in order to ensure that the teeth are well maintained and there are no infections or harmful side effects. Proper cleaning of the dentures is important as they may otherwise accumulate stains or bacteria. Patients are also advised to use a toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dentures as normal toothpastes may be too abrasive. The new teeth may also cause the patients certain discomfort in speech and eating. Patients are advised to consume mainly soft food for the first few days. It is important to note that dentures should not be worn to bed under any circumstance, as the gums and bones require sufficient rest to prevent further infections, inflammation, or irritations.

The treatment recovery time varies from the patient condition to condition and differs from the mode of the treatment opted for the patient. The recovery period may last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the age, and general oral hygiene and strength of the individual. In this case, recovery mainly involves adapting completely to the cast past partial dentures. In the initial days of using the dentures, patients may prefer to eat only soft food as they adapt to the new installation. Over a period of time, as the remaining teeth and the tongue get accustomed to the dentures, the bone and gum in the mouth with shift and grow to accommodate them. Consequently, eating habits and speech will improve, and patients will be more comfortable with carrying out normal activities with little to no discomfort.

The fee for dentures varies depending on the number of teeth, the complexity of the cast and structure, and the conditions of the patient. The price is also affected by the material used, strength and finish, brand, quality, and aesthetic appeal. Investment and costs of the clinic are also included. While costs may be a few thousands in government medical institutions, they can go up to Rs. 2,00,000 or more in private hospitals, where brand and aesthetics are more concentrated upon. If the number of teeth in the partial dentures goes beyond a specific limit, they may be charged more.

While cast partial dentures are fairly long term, they may need to be checked and adjusted at regular intervals. This is primarily because the face and bone structure may change as the gums shift and change to accommodate the new dentures, as well as adapt to the lack of actual teeth. Moreover, the dentures may becomes loose or get damaged over a period of time. In most cases, the lower denture is less stable than the upper one. This is because of the shape of the gums and the movements caused due to the tongue. In such cases, patients may have to undergo a surgery known as “relining”’. While this process can be done with the help of over-the-counter kits and medications, it is best to have the opinion and skill of a dentist or prosthodontist before the relining process.

The main alternatives to the treatment are dental implants, bridges, or acrylic dentures. Dental implants in particular can be used for supporting the cement bridges which can efficiently eliminate the dentures although costs are much higher and it is a fairly complex procedure. However, not all people can opt for implants because there are certain restrictions and requirements which must be met, and not everyone may be a suitable candidate.

In conclusion, cast partial dentures are an important innovation in the field of dentistry that have helped In improving the conditions for a number of people by providing a feasible and long term substitute for their teeth.