Partial Dentures are an excellent option for patients who have several missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They allow you to eat and speak normally while giving you the appearance of having a full set of teeth again.
Partial dentures are made from a variety of materials and can be used to replace as many or as few teeth as you have missing in the upper or lower jaw. The prosthetics can be permanently bonded to natural teeth or they can be removable.
The prosthetics are designed to fit into the space where natural teeth once existed, and they can be secured with hooks or clasps that surround the natural teeth. These anchors help the prosthetic stay in place and improve your comfort while wearing a partial denture.
Dental Implant Retained Partial Dentures
If you have lost all of your teeth, you might be a candidate for an implant-retained partial denture. These are much more durable and stable than traditional partials and are anchored to your jawbone through prosthetic tooth roots.
Your dentist will examine your mouth to see if you are a good candidate for a partial denture. The doctor will also discuss your treatment options with you, including dental implants and bridges, before recommending the best solution for your needs.
In most cases, you will need to maintain your partial denture by brushing it with a soft toothbrush and flossing regularly to keep your mouth clean. This will help prevent bacteria from accumulating and buildup.
You should also rinse your mouth with a soft drink or water after eating to help remove any food particles that might be trapped in the gaps between your artificial teeth. This helps to keep your dentures and surrounding gums healthy as well.
Regardless of the type of denture you choose, proper oral hygiene and regular appointments with your dentist are essential to the longevity of your dental appliance. Without these basic care and maintenance procedures, you may find that your dentures are prone to slipping or clicking while you chew or talk, or that the surrounding gum tissue has a hard time retaining them in place.
The dentist can also recommend ways to help your Partial Dentures retain their position in your mouth, such as using dental adhesive. These products can be purchased at most pharmacies and are ADA-approved for use with partial dentures.
It is important to wear your partial dentures every day and at night to prevent them from shifting. If your partial dentures are not worn for long periods of time, they can slip and become uncomfortable, which can lead to discomfort and infections in the mouth.
Your dentist can adjust the fit of your partial dentures if they are slipping or clicking or causing any problems when you eat and speak. They can also recommend changes to your diet to better suit your dental appliance.
The benefits of dentures include the ability to eat more foods, improved speech, and increased confidence. They can also improve facial aesthetics by filling in the gaps where missing teeth have caused sagging and drooping of the face.