What Are Partial Dentures?
A partial denture is a removable dental appliance that is custom-made to replicate your natural teeth as closely as possible. Partial dentures usually replace teeth by attaching to a gum-colored base that clasps or snaps onto remaining teeth or dental implants. Partial dentures are beneficial for restoring form and function to your smile if several teeth are missing.
A partial denture can replace multiple teeth in either the upper or lower portion of your mouth and is usually removable.
Partially implanted dentures serve more than just cosmetic purposes. They can also enhance the wearer’s ability to chew and speak. In addition to preserving your natural smile, partial dentures can also maintain the position of the remaining teeth in your mouth, which can shift over time.
A partial denture is made of a combination of metal and acrylic, and it is sturdy enough to handle chewing and speaking needs while still looking natural. Partially removable dentures made from acrylic can be less durable and structurally sound, but depending on your needs, they may be your best alternative.
When Is a Partial Denture Necessary?
If you have lost multiple teeth due to the following reasons, partial dentures may be necessary:
- Advanced tooth decay
- Gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Injuries to the face or jaw
- Extraction of teeth
- Inadequate dental care
- Natural aging
Alternative Options
Replacing missing teeth isn’t limited to partial dentures. A full set of dentures can be used to replace a full set of missing lower or upper teeth. Before you can get full dentures, our dentist at Dental Care of Lombard will need to extract your remaining teeth.
Missing teeth can also be replaced with bridges. Dental bridges are similar to partial dentures since only a few teeth are replaced.
As opposed to partial dentures, which can replace teeth on both sides of your mouth, bridges usually go on one side of your mouth. Moreover, bridges tend to be permanently attached, while partial dentures are usually removable.
When you have three or more adjacent missing teeth, Dental Care of Lombard recommends partial dentures.
What Happens At The Dentist If You Need Dentures?
Dental Care of Lombard constructs a removable partial denture based on your remaining teeth and their condition. These teeth may all be healthy, but if they can’t support normal chewing, speaking or other activities, our dentist may recommend extracting them and using full dentures instead of partials.
If you have any allergies to the materials often used in partials, such as acrylic, our dentist may want to explore other options for partials or full dentures.
Can I Eat With Partials?
Yes, partial dentures can be worn while eating. Starting with soft foods and chopping them into small pieces is the best way to adjust to your new dentures.
After you get a partial denture in Lombard, don’t eat anything sticky or hard for a couple of days. Additionally, you should chew on both sides of your mouth so the pressure is even.
Nonabrasive denture cleaners can be used to remove stains and stuck-on food from removable partial dentures. Soak the denture overnight in the cleaner, and then brush it thoroughly. A toothbrush will help remove stuck-on food.
Are Partial Dentures Right for Me?
If you are missing multiple teeth, partial dentures in Lombard may be the solution to restoring your smile. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with the dental team at Dental Care of Lombard today.
