Partial Dentures Are an Affordable Alternative to More Expensive Restorations
There are many options when it comes to replacing some missing teeth. Implant crowns or teeth, implant bridges, implant partial dentures, bridges, and the list goes on. The best options that denturists and dentists recommend usually involve implants. Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth, both in appearance and function.
Not everyone can consider this the best option given their own situation or circumstance. For example, the cost or implants can be quite high and dental implants in Niagara is of no exception. When replacing more than two or three teeth, implants can worth almost as much as a down payment for a car. Luckily, there are alternatives serving as more options that do not need implants.
What Are Partial Dentures?
The partial dentures we're talking about are also sometimes referred to as removable partial dentures, cast partial dentures, acrylic partial dentures, or even flippers. They are designed to replace one or more missing teeth. Partial dentures sometimes use a lightweight metal framework to support the structure of the denture or use a thick resin base framework. The prosthetic teeth are attached to the base at the areas where your teeth are missing.
Partial dentures in Niagara can last for several years and are customized to the patient. A denturist's job is to consider the number of missing teeth and their location so the patient can feel like it's their own natural teeth. There are lots of things to consider when it comes to designing and customizing these partial dentures.
How Do Partial Dentures Work?
As mentioned, partial dentures can replace a set of missing teeth or as little as one front tooth. Unlike a bridge, partial dentures do not require compromising two solid teeth to be the foundation for the bridge. In other words, a bridge compromises two healthy teeth to replace the missing teeth in between.
Partial dentures do not require the surrounding teeth to be ground down or altering it in a very drastic way. If your remaining teeth are strong, partial dentures fill in gaps and empty spaces with ease.
Why Support Is Key for Partial Dentures
Partial dentures do require support and healthy teeth. Your remaining teeth need to be assessed for their health and condition. If your teeth are to be used for removable partial dentures, they have to be ready. Weak teeth can be a cause for concern as a partial denture puts a lot of stress and torque on these teeth which can affect these teeth to move, break or not be strong enough to support the denture from moving.
How a patient's jaw functions when they bite must also be assessed. At our denture clinic in St. Catharines, we want to ensure the force on a partial denture is evenly distributed. Eating and chewing where there's undue pressure on the ridges of the jaw can cause injury, accelerate bone loss in the jaw, and can be uncomfortable.
The Benefits of Partial Dentures
Partial dentures prevent teeth from tipping or becoming crooked. When customized well, they can also be made to look like your own natural teeth in shape and color. Dentures function just like real teeth and they protect your mouth from some of the common problems that occur in people with missing teeth:
- Over-eruption
- Misalignment of teeth
- Overcrowding of teeth
- Bite force distribution & Jaw function
When we lose teeth, the rest of our teeth have to compensate when it comes to functions like eating and chewing. This adds more stress on those remaining teeth which is why someone with missing teeth is more likely to experience a fracture or further oral health issues. Protect your remaining teeth from future problems by doing something about it today. Partial dentures give stability, reliability, and function back to your mouth.
How to Take Care of Partial Dentures
The patient is responsible for taking care of their dentures day-to-day to ensure they get the most out of their oral health and overall health investment.
To minimize the chance of tooth decay and gum disease, partial dentures should be cleaned every day. A wearer will also want to brush and floss all their teeth once a day. Your favourite denture clinic in Niagara will also recommend taking out your removable partial dentures at night when you sleep and soaking it in a denture cleanser. This will further reduce the likelihood of bacterial growth in the mouth.
Are Partial Dentures Not As Good As Implant Dentures?
Partial dentures don't deliver the same experience as implant dentures, however, with an adequate design and proper long-term care, they can help you maintain your smile for a very long time.
If cost is the primary concern around dentures, speak to your denture clinic in Niagara about removable partial dentures. A denturist can also provide information on other denture types, including implant dentures, suction dentures, and more.
From the latest in denture technology to long-proven conventional denture treatments, a denturist's job is about customizing a denture solution for the patient according to patient preferences and what's needed for their long-term oral health.
Speaking with a denturist in a consultation, you may be pleasantly surprised to find out the advantages to partial dentures and the difference in cost compared to more expensive alternatives.
For more information on partial dentures in Niagara, contact Hayven Dentures. Schedule a consultation today and have an experienced denturist assess your candidacy.
