Acrylic dentures are made purely from plastic. Metal-based dentures use cobalt-chromium alloy under gum-coloured plastic and are thinner and stronger than acrylic dentures.
A partial denture fits snugly over the gum to replace missing teeth. Metal clips can help hold either plastic or metal dentures in place and may show when a person smiles or opens their mouth.
Metal removable partial dentures are often regarded as long-term treatment options, while acrylic resin removable partial dentures are often considered interim treatment.
What should you expect from a new partial denture?
New dentures often cause sore spots. Mild soreness may be tolerated while severe soreness means the denture should be left out until the review, after wearing it for two or three days beforehand to show the pressure areas.
A review is normally booked one to two weeks after fitting. Pressure-related problems can often be corrected then or at later appointments, and a denture should not be adjusted or repaired at home.
