What Are Partials and Dentures, and How Are They Used?

Do you withhold your smile because of one missing tooth? Tooth loss happens to be one of the biggest problems in dentistry, globally affecting adults and children alike. Whether you are concerned with losing one or multiple teeth, there is a solution for you in dentistry. It entails getting partials and dentures to replace your lost teeth.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures near you are a set of artificial replacement teeth bound to a gum-like plastic base. Dentures are created for the sole purpose of replacing lost teeth and restoring the surrounding tissues. A traditional denture comprises all the teeth present in a human mouth. They should be fitted when you have lost all your natural teeth. If not, your dentist in Globe would have to remove your remaining teeth to place a denture.

Thankfully, evolvement in denture creation allows patients to retain their natural teeth. Instead of a complete denture, you would need partial dentures near you. The dentures are called partials because they focus on replacing only the teeth you have lost. The only requirement to get partial dentures for front teeth or the back ones is that you must have lost at least three teeth in a row. If not, you would require dental bridges or implants instead of dentures.

Types of Dentures

Other than partials and dentures, these false teeth have other categories:

1. Immediate dentures – are instant replacement teeth. Soon after you lose your natural teeth, you can get immediate dentures without waiting to be fully healed. They ensure that you do not g a single day without your teeth. However, they may be ill-fitting because they are pre-made to fit the average patient’s mouth. Besides, as you heal, your gums and bones shrink, which further compromise the fit of your immediate dentures.
2. Custom-fitted dentures – are created in dental laboratories in dental facilities like Copper Vista Dental Care. These dentures fit like a glove. The reason is that dentists create them after the impressions of your mouth. However, they require some time for preparation. During this period, you will be without teeth. You can opt to get immediate dentures temporarily before yours are ready.
3. Implant-supported dentures – typically, dentures are removable oral appliances, but implant-supported ones offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. These dentures dictate that you receive dental implants first before getting dentures. The dental implants create a foundation for dentures to sit. In this case, implants become the replacement for teeth roots while dentures replace the crowns of teeth.

Are Dentures Worth It?

The first thing you should know about dentures is that most or all of the treatment costs are covered by dental insurance. However, you must still liaise with your insurance company to learn the limits to the coverage. Aside from that, dentures have the following advantages:

1. Durable – dentures feature sturdy materials that can last many years. With proper care, most dentures last longer than 20 years.
2. Natural-looking results – dentures feature tooth-colored porcelain for the abutments and a gum-like base that also matches the color of your natural gum tissue. The result is a natural-looking smile that complements your facial appearance.
3. Aesthetic advantages – other than filling the gaps in your mouth due to tooth loss, dentures benefit your appearance in other ways. Teeth play a significant role in supporting facial muscles to promote facial fullness. Replacing your lost teeth with dentures creates a similar result, reducing facial droopiness and restoring youthfulness.
4. Functional element – one of the greatest losses you experience when you lose your natural teeth is the functional element of your mouth. Teeth are crucial for eating, speaking, and other vital functions of the oral cavity. Dentures create a similar result by ensuring you can use your mouth optimally. However, it may take some practice and a little getting used to using dentures the same way you do your natural teeth.
5. Preserving the jawbone – the health of the jawbone fully relies on teeth. Without teeth, the jawbone remains inactive. The inactivity allows for bone tissue degeneration. However, when you get dentures, the jawbone is no longer inactive and can therefore remain healthy.