Partial Dentures: How They Work and What Issues They Can Improve

Some of the most common problems associated with missing teeth include jawbone deterioration, poor dental health, shifting of the adjacent teeth, and impaired bite and speech. A missing tooth also makes you look less attractive and can dramatically affect your confidence and social skills.

Fortunately, if you’re missing one or a few teeth, you may benefit from partial dentures. A partial denture is a dental appliance containing artificial teeth and surrounding tissues to replace missing teeth. A partial denture consists of gum-colored or pink plastic and metallic bases. Your dentist can use them to replace missing teeth on either jaw.

Getting a partial denture is a pretty straightforward process. The dentist begins by examining your condition to determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for partial dentures. The dentist will create a treatment plan and design a customized partial denture if you’re eligible. If partial dentures aren’t an option, you can consider other bridges, also known as fixed partial dentures. Implants are also an ideal option for missing teeth.

How Partial Dentures Work

Since partial dentures are customized, they look and work as regular teeth do. They are attached to a plastic or metal frame that perfectly fits the empty socket. Replacing missing teeth with partial dentures restores the lost tooth’s appearance and functionality.

Your new smile makes oral functions such as chewing and speaking more comfortable. Immediately after getting partial dentures, it’s normal to feel awkward when talking or eating. However, you’ll get used to speaking and eating with them over time. Be sure to contact your dentist if something doesn’t feel right.

Improvements That Partial Dentures Provide

Partials and denture treatments are beneficial to your oral and overall health in many ways. These include:

• Improved and natural smile

Smiling with a missing tooth might make you feel unattractive. Partial dentures are tooth-colored, and when installed, they look like natural teeth. You can regain that bright and natural-looking smile by covering up the empty socket.

• Restored oral function

Partial dentures replace your missing teeth, thereby restoring enough strength and stability to perform normal dental functions such as chewing and speaking. While you might feel sore for a few days after the procedure, after some time, you will be able to chew and eat your favorite foods without limitation.

• Improved speech abilities

Missing teeth can affect your speech. With partial dentures, the empty sockets are closed, making your speech easy and back to normal. Initially, you might have trouble speaking with partial dentures. However, as you get used to them, you’ll resume your everyday speech in no time.

• Improved self-esteem and confidence

Partial dentures restore your appearance, making you feel good about your oral and overall well-being. You will feel more comfortable interacting and meeting new people. You can enjoy eating with a complete set of teeth, even in public. These things positively impact your self-esteem and confidence.

• Improved oral hygiene

Food particles can hide in empty sockets. Besides, brushing and flossing an empty socket might also be challenging. Eventually, plaque and bacteria can build up in the mouth, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. Closing the empty sockets makes eating and oral hygiene routines easy.

Final Verdict

Partial dentures are an economical choice to restore your oral health and regain a youthful smile. With proper partial dentures care, they can last for approximately 5-10 years or more. For more details on full or partial dentures services, contact Weymouth Dental Associates.