"Partial" - Dental Health Message Board

Laura B · 09-24-2003, 03:35 PM

I'm planning on getting a "Partial." That is when the hook on some false teeth to your own. I have 10 of my lower front teeth left and thinking of getting a partial of two teeths on each side to be hooked on to my front teeth. What I would like to know: These two front teeth of mine where the hook on the partial, will they have to be crowned first? Both these teeth having fillings but otherwise are in good shape. I checked that whole message board and no one talks about "partial." I hope you know what I mean.
thank you

China1980 · 09-24-2003, 03:46 PM

sounds the same thing as porcelain veneers?

Yos · 09-24-2003, 04:49 PM

Hi Laura

A "partial" is a denture. The rear teeth on each side will sit on a pink gum colored acrylic base which rests on the gums where the missing teeth are. At the front of each acrylic base there will be a clasp which will hook around the nearest natural tooth. It will also have a thin metal frame that goes around the back of the remaining front teeth connecting two acrylic bases on each side of the mouth making a horseshoe shape. The frame helps give the entire denture some stability. Normally, crowns aren't needed on the natural teeth where the clasps hook around. I'd send you a picture if I could but..... I hope my description helps you understand and visualize what a "partial" is.

Yos

Laura B · 09-25-2003, 09:45 AM

YOS, thank you for your reply. Very good description, even without a picture I can visualize what will happen to me. Sure don't look forward to having all that "stuff" sitting in my mouth, but at my age (74) I can't complain, I feel I'm lucky my teeth lasted that long.

Laura B · 09-26-2003, 01:44 PM

I read so much about hard and soft "relines" on this board. I have no idea what that is. Is that something I will get with my "partial" on the lower right and left?