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I’m Allergic to My Partial Denture But Can’t Afford a Bridge

I’m Allergic to My Partial Denture But Can’t Afford a Bridge

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I got a partial denture last month to replace the lower left missing teeth. Something about the denture makes my lip and tongue burn on the left side of my mouth. I saw my dentist last week, and she said I am allergic to the plastic plate in the denture. She said that a dental bridge is an option. However, I cannot afford $4,300 for a bridge. I stopped wearing the denture, but my mouth and tongue still hurt. My dentist gave me a lidocaine solution to numb my mouth. That’s a temporary solution, but what can I do about my missing teeth since I can’t afford a bridge? Thanks. Krystle from NH

Krystle,

We are concerned about your allergic reaction and your dentist’s treatment option of a dental bridge as the only alternative to your partial denture. A lidocaine rinse that gives you 15 minutes of relief is not a solution to your symptoms.

What If You’re Allergic to Your Partial Denture?

If you are allergic to your partial denture, schedule an appointment with an allergist for testing. Give your dentist a list of the allergens. An experienced dentist can explain the denture materials available other than acrylic. Ask the allergist to test you for the materials to prevent another reaction and save you the time and expense of choosing options that might cause a reaction.

Valplast Partial Denture

Valplast denture

A Valplast denture is thermoplastic resin

A Valplast partial denture is a thermoplastic resin. The material is strong and more flexible than acrylic. Although we cannot find reports of Valplast allergic reactions, it is not impossible to be allergic to it. Some allergies are unusual.

Metal Partial Denture

Nickel is a common allergen. Other dental metals can cause allergies, too. Ensure you get allergy testing for the metals in a partial denture that your dentist may recommend,

Fixed Dental Bridge

Although a fixed dental bridge can replace missing teeth, if you cannot afford it, don’t feel pressured to go over budget to get it.

Consult a prosthodontist or cosmetic dentist to discuss your options for a partial denture. An allergist or your primary care doctor can help you get relief from the allergic reaction to your current denture.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

Can I cover the metal clasps on my partial denture?

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After wearing partial dentures for the past 7 years, I am so tired of the metal clasps on my teeth. My smile looks okay, but it would look better if I didn’t have shiny metal rings around my teeth. Is there a way to cover the metal clasps with gum-colored plastic? When this partial denture wears out, am I right that an implant overdenture is a better option. I understand it’s much more expensive, but I can start saving for it and finally get some relief from these clasps.

Thank you, Melanie

Melanie,

Valplast denture

A Valplast denture replaces several missing teeth, but an implant overdenture replaces an entire arch of teeth

Unfortunately, covering the metal clasps with plastic will make them thick and uncomfortable around your teeth. They probably won’t fit around your teeth. And if they did work, plastic coating will decrease the flexibility of the clasps, and they will bend or break under stress. Your dentist might be able to sandblast the clasps to make them less shiny and noticeable. If your dentist can’t do it in the office, a dental lab can adjust the clasps.

If it is almost time to replace your partial denture, a Valplast partial denture has plastic clasps that are pink or transparent. The gum color is less obvious. Although the clasps are not as strong as metal ones, they look better. You can see an example of a Valplast denture on this page.

What About an Implant Overdenture?

An implant overdenture replaces an entire arch of teeth. If you are missing all your upper or lower teeth, it might be an option for you. But you can ask your dentist about an implant bridge to replace several missing teeth in a row. Although it is more expensive than a partial denture, it’s a long-lasting, natural-looking solution. You can consider it when it’s time to replace your current partial denture.

 

Dr. Gilberto Tostado of San Antonio, TX, sponsors this post.