I had a partial plate to fill in 3 teeth on the left upper side of my mouth. I lost this while on vacation and my insurance wouldn't cover a new one. The average wear is 5 years they say. Well I've been without it for a few years because I didn't have the $$ to get it done. Well its been the five years now so I'm going to try again. I had the plate that had the full metal on the roof of my mouth. It was VERY uncomfortable. I couldn't eat cause food would get up in there. My question is are there other types of partials that would not have the full metal plate? Thanks :)

I have heard of precision partial its supposed to work without all the metal but dont know the cost. Also there is something called an over denture. Not sure if its the same thing or not still researching this stuff myself. I am due to get my first partial in Sept. Let us know what you get and how it works PLEASE. Not many on this board have partials and would like to hear the experiences etc with a partial.

I also need to know about partials.. I was told this week that I need a upper plate and a lower one.. I thought I was going to have to have dentures so I researched it and not the partials and don't know much at all...

Thanks for your replys...I will let you know how I make out.

Could you get a bridge instead?? That has no roof. Do you have a tooth on each side of the missing 3 teeth so that a non-removable bridge can be anchored to these teeth? I'm sure that would be more pleasant than a partial plate. Marti

Yes I do have teeth on each side and thought about a bridge. The dentist told me I'd have to have a root canal in each tooth to anchor the bridge. She said no guarantee that the root canal would last. But does anyone know if I'd have to get a root canal or is there another way to anchor the bridge to my teeth. I just miss smiling with out seeing a gap.

You don't need a root canal (unless the tooth is decayed)to anchor the bridge. They do need to shave the anchor teeth down and crown them. If there is nothing wrong with these two teeth, is your dentist doing a root canal just because he anticipates it will be needed in the future, and does he automatically root canal anchor teeth ??? These are questions you may wan to ask him, because If the teeth are sound, I would make the decision just to have them crowned. Maybe they will never need a root canal, maybe they will in a few years. Did you get a second opinion, maybe from a prosthodontist ? What about one implant and crown one natural tooth and get a removal 3 teeth bridge, or 2 implants and get a 3 teeth fixed bridge, that way you don't have to alter your natural teeth at all. Good luck with your decision. Marti

Thanks for the help I finally got past the 5 yr mark now my insurance will pay again(they won't pay because they said normal wear is 5 yrs)I will mention those to my new dentist. I didn't care for the last one.I am missing 3 teeth on my left side. I have a whole tooth and part of my wisdom tooth in the back on the left side.I had the partial and I felt like I had a speech problem. I just hate that metal plate on the roof of my mouth.