Why You Need Partials and Dentures

Why You Need Partials and Dentures

Oct 01, 2021

Partial dentures consist of replacement teeth and include the surrounding tissues. Replacement teeth are attached to a pink plastic that resembles the gums. They are then placed in the mouth with the help of metal frameworks to hold them in place inside the mouth.

Partial dentures are used when you lose a fraction of your teeth. They are reinforced with the natural teeth that remain. Partial dentures can be placed on either jaw. They use bridges to replace a single or several teeth. With a bridge it places crowns on either side of the space and attaches an artificial tooth.

The bridge is cemented to hold the artificial teeth firmly. Partial dentures go beyond replacing missing teeth. They also prevent other teeth from shifting position in the mouth. A precision denture is removable and has its attachments instead of clasps attaching them to the adjacent crowns. Precision partial dentures are more natural-looking.

Partials and Dentures Treatments

You may require partial dentures treatment if you have lost one or multiple teeth in either of your jaws. Some factors that may contribute to losing teeth include.

  • Tooth decay
  • Injury from an accident (sports injury, motor vehicle, or personal accident)
  • Extraction

A dentist will first assess your oral health before recommending partials and dentures. If your teeth are unhealthy, the dentist may extract them and use complete dentures.

Types of Partial Dentures

There are numerous techniques and materials used to manufacture dentures. Below are some factors that a dentist will consider when recommending what type of denture is right for you.

Tooth position – a dentist may use partial dentures to replace front or back teeth. Statistically, partial front dentures are very popular with most patients. They also create a cosmetic transformation of the patient’s smile while at the same time improving the bite—similarly, posterior dentures aid in chewing and speaking better.

Number of teeth being restored – a dentist typically recommends partial dentures when you have more than three missing teeth. They are often removable and thus have the upper hand over bridges and complete dentures.

Durability – a dentist that offers partials and dentures services may give you permanent or temporary partial dentures. Temporary dentures are usually given when the dentist removes the damaged teeth and the surrounding tissues. Once the gums heal fully, the dentist may craft permanent dentures for you.

Material, based on your case – for the base, your dentist uses either a mixture of chromium and cobalt or plastic. Metal such as titanium may also be used to make the base. Plastic bases are more comfortable in the mouth and less expensive as compared to metallic ones. Also, plastic dentures are lightweight, flexible, and easy to repair.

Flexible dentures – some people prefer partial dentures, known as flexible dentures. They are made of thin thermoplastics that are ultra-lightweight and have no visible metal clips. Unlike metal and plastic dentures, flexible dentures are not placed directly into the mouth. You first warm them with water for a couple of minutes to help them mold into your gums.

Attachment type – the dentist may fit your partial dentures with precision attachments or clasps. Clasps are made of metal that joins onto the adjourning natural teeth for support. The metal may be noticeable when you smile. Precision attachments, on the other hand, attach to the existing teeth without metal clasps. Each patient receives customized attachments.

Partials and dentures costs

Partial dentures vary in costs due to the factors discussed above. The factors include material used, the method used to create dentures, location in the mouth, and the number of teeth replaced. The costs may also fluctuate should you require dental care before receiving partial dentures. Dental Arts of Plymouth offers Partials and Dentures Services at affordable costs. Call or book an appointment online.

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