Dentists use partial dentures to replace missing teeth when the patient still has some of their natural teeth. By replacing their missing teeth with partial dentures, the patient’s smile and the functionality of their teeth are restored.
Partial dentures usually have replacement teeth attached to a metal or plastic base that matches the color of the patient’s gums. They also often come with a clasp that attaches to the natural teeth. This allows the patient to easily take them out of their mouth for cleaning or storage while they sleep. In some cases, the dentist might recommend using dental crowns on the natural teeth to make the dentures fit better.
The following is some information about partial dentures, including the two types and what it is like living with them.
These are also known as dental implant bridges. The dentist will permanently install the partial dentures in the patient’s mouth using dental implants to hold it in place. Dental implants are titanium posts that are fused to the jawbone to hold it in place with an artificial tooth attached to the top of the titanium post.
These dentures are also known as removable dental bridges. They fill the gap between two healthy teeth using replacement teeth that are attached to a gum-colored plastic base. They are held in place by a metal framework connected to the dentures.
For patients using partial dentures for the first time, it may feel weird for a few weeks. That is until the cheek muscles and tongue learn to keep them in place, and the patient gets comfortable putting them in their mouths. There might also be some minor irritation or soreness and an increase in the flow of saliva when a patient starts using them. These problems will eventually diminish as the patient’s mouth adjusts to the dentures.
Eating with partial dentures will take some time and practice to get used to. Dentists usually tell their patients to start with soft foods that are cut into small pieces. The chewing of food should be done slowly using both sides of the mouth. When the patient starts getting used to chewing with the dentures, they can gradually add other foods to their diet until they are ready to return to their regular diet.
Patients that are using partial dentures for the first time are advised to be careful with hot or hard foods. Also, they should avoid sticky foods so they do not damage the dentures.
Even though partial dentures cannot decay, they have to be taken care of like the patient’s natural teeth. That means brushing and flossing regularly to get rid of the food particles stuck between the teeth and the plaque on the surface. Since the dentures are delicate, dentists recommend filling up the sink with water or lining the sink with a towel while cleaning the dentures. This is to prevent them from breaking if they fall into the sink.
Partial dentures are effective in replacing missing teeth when the patient still has some of their natural teeth. They are also relatively inexpensive, making them ideal for people who want to replace their teeth on a budget. If you have missing teeth and want to have them replaced, ask your dentist if partial dentures will work for you.
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