Will Partial Dentures Trigger Your Metal Allergy?

If you have an allergy to one or more metals, then your dentist may have concerns about using a partial denture to fill gaps in your teeth. Why might a partial denture be a problem, and what can you do about it?

How Partial Dentures Affect People With a Metal Allergy

Partial dentures typically come with clasps at the ends of the false teeth. These clasps fit over the natural teeth that sit at either side of the gap that the denture will fill. This gives the denture more stability by anchoring it in place.

However, these clasps are often made from metal. If you're allergic to the metals used in denture construction, then wearing these kinds of partials may be a problem.

For example, you may get irritating symptoms as your soft tissues react to the metal in the clasps. Your gums and cheeks may feel sore, irritated or numb.

How to Avoid Allergic Reactions to Partial Dentures

If you know that the metal in a regular partial denture is likely to trigger an allergic reaction, then you and your dentist need to find an alternative solution to metal clasps. This may involve finding a different clasp material or losing the clasps altogether.

For example, your dentist may be able to source specialist partial dentures that have clasps made from non-metallic substances like ceramics or resins. This takes metal out of the denture completely. Alternatively, if you're only going to be using a small partial denture, then your dentist may recommend that you go for a denture that doesn't have any clasps at all. Flexible dentures may be an option worth looking at here.

Flexible partial dentures are not as heavy as regular partials. So, they don't necessarily need clasps to hold them in place. You may be able to get away with just using the natural suction in your mouth to keep these teeth in.

Alternatives to Partial Dentures

If you can't find a suitable non-metallic or clasp-free solution, then your dentist may recommend that you look at other ways of filling tooth gaps. For example, using the teeth on either side of the gap to fit a bridge may be a good option. This is also a more permanent solution than a removable denture.

To find out more, talk to your dentist. They can explain the options available to you in more detail and help you choose the right one.