WANT FLEXIBILITY?
It was long thought that removable partial dentures had to be rigid to be effective. Traditionally, removable partial dentures were fabricated from a rigid metal base designed to replace missing teeth in partially edentulous patients (meaning patients that were missing only some of their natural teeth). Although full dentures and partial dentures have been used in dentistry for many decades, they can pose many problems for patients, most notably the poor aesthetics that are created from using metal to cover your natural teeth.
The innovation of the flexible partial denture in the 1950s paved the way for a new type of partial denture, which provides excellent aesthetics and comfort for patients who prefer to wear a removable denture rather than a fixed restoration such as a dental bridge or dental implants. By using a flexible base, the restoration can adapt to the constant movement and flexibility in your mouth.
Flexible partial dentures such as those made by Valplast® are custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory. They are prescription-only products that are placed by a licensed dentist after an impression of your mouth has been taken. Most flexible partial dentures involve very simple preparation because your natural teeth don't need to be altered in any way. Flexible partials can be virtually invisible because there are no telltale metal clasps to cover your natural teeth. Furthermore, most flexible materials blend with the tissue in your mouth so that the only thing that shows is your beautiful smile.
You'll be glad to know that most patients become immediately accustomed to their delicate and light-weight restoration. However, you may experience a brief adjustment period, especially if you have never worn a dental appliance before. Should you experience any persistent irritation, please consult with your dentist so that he or she can make necessary adjustments to your appliance.