When you’ve had either one or just a few teeth removed and aren’t ready for full dentures, partial dentures can fill that gap in your smile. With so many options available that you may find yourself at a loss of which one makes sense for you. At Steven C. Hewett, DDS, in Champions Gate, FL, we’re here to help you understand how partials work.
How Do Partial Dentures Stay In?
Removable Options
Partial dentures can be fixed or removable, so how they stay put in your mouth depends on which option you chose. Removable partials will be held in place with clips or attachments.
Acrylic Clasp Partials
These are usually the least expensive partials. They use acrylic flippers to stay put, and these flippers can be removed as needed. Due to its bulkier shape, this kind of denture is usually recommended as a temporary solution as you wait for a more permanent fit.
The acrylic clasps used by them tend to be less effective than cast metal attachment options. That said, it’s still a handy tool if you find yourself in a pinch and want something cheap that you can use right away to buy some time.
Flexible Partials
For patients who have an acrylic allergy, a flexible partial can be a good alternative. Like acrylic partials, these dentures do use clasps to stay in place.
The good news is due to their flexibility, these partials are known to be comfortable and maybe less likely to irritate your gums when compared to more traditional acrylic partials. This part is also usually recommended as a temporary solution.
Cast Metal Framework Partials
These popular partials have a cast metal framework that can support realistic and high-quality replacement teeth. Precision attachments are used to keep it firmly in place and hidden so this partial can blend in with the rest of your smile.
This durable option can provide a removable denture that should last for years to come.
Fixed Options
If you’re afraid of your partial falling out and you want a more permanent option, fixed partials could be what you’re looking for.
A fixed bridge would be attached to some of your healthy teeth to hold it in place. An implant-supported partial is a type of dental implant, so replacement teeth or dentures can be attached to a permanent titanium fixture.
Fixed Bridge
If you’re missing just one or two teeth, a fixed bridge could be an ideal choice. This partial remains in your mouth, so you don’t have to take it out at night. However, you will have to get surrounding teeth filed and prepared so they can have crowns fitted over them and support the fixed bridge.
Implant-Supported Partials
If you don’t want to risk damaging healthy teeth with a bridge, a dental implant is an alternative solution. Small rods made of titanium, which is extremely compatible with the human body, are placed under your gums.
Titanium actually has the unique ability to fuse with bone, so over time it should fuse with and actually strengthen your jaw. Partial dentures or false teeth can then be attached to these fixtures.
Why We Offer Implant Dentistry
A dental implant can greatly improve the quality of life for patients who have found themselves limited by missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures. Our patients have told us that while they used to find mealtime a daily hassle, now they can enjoy the foods that used to be off-limits for them. The simple act of being able to bite into an apple or eat steak has allowed our patients to enjoy their food again.
Implants can offer an alternative to shaving down healthy teeth for a bridge. While implants can support permanent artificial teeth, they can also support dentures. Our team uses cutting-edge digital imaging to create precise 3D models for our referencing. With exact precision, we’re able to use dental implants to take over the job your missing tooth’s root system used to do, which includes protecting the jaw’s integrity and supporting your other teeth.
Dental Implants Can Support Both Full and Partial Dentures
Implants can hold dentures firmly in place. The implants themselves are placed into the jaw, then part of the implant will be used to connect to your dentures.
You won’t have to use sticky adhesive or feel your dentures shift in the middle of a conversation anymore with this solution. The dentures themselves can still be removed at will, so you can clean them up at night.
The Many Benefits of Implant Dentures
Implants Can Last Decades
With good oral hygiene and healthy gums, your dental implant could last 20 years or more, and could even last you the rest of your life. If you do find yourself needing some modifications down the line, our office will be able to help you.
Dentures that are connected to an implant also tend to last longer than dentures that rest directly on your gums.
How Do Implants Make Dentures Last Longer?
Usually, a traditional denture would have to be replaced around five to ten years due to the shape of the gums and jaw changing over time. Here’s where implants come in. The roots of our teeth play an important role in keeping our jawbones healthy, so when you lose one or more of your natural teeth, it can lead to your jawbone beginning to deteriorate.
The titanium rods used during an implant replace the roots of your missing teeth, and can also fuse to the jawbone to keep it strong. That means the jawbone won’t be changing shape the same way it would be if it was reacting to a missing tooth, so your dentures will be able to fit correctly for a longer period of time.
They Offer Better Stability Than Traditional Dentures
A lack of confidence in your adhesives can make laughing, talking, and eating with dentures stressful. With no adhesives required, implants can take the stress out of these situations. This can help you focus on enjoying the moment instead of worrying about whether your adhesive is working.
They Can Be More Comfortable
Dentures supported by implants have the benefit of not only looking natural but feeling more comfortable in your mouth. The implants help reduce friction and potential irritation.
They Can Help Protect Your Facial Structure
We’ve covered how tooth loss can lead to jaw deterioration. However, by protecting the jaw, implants can also help protect the shape of your face, and even can help avoid additional wrinkles forming around the lower face. This is because a shrinking jaw can lead to loose skin and can cause your mouth and lower face to age prematurely.
As yet another layer of protection, titanium won’t suffer from dental decay, which can help keep the rest of your teeth safer.
They Can Keep Your Other Teeth in Place
Your teeth don’t just help your jaw stay healthy; they also have the important job of keeping each other in their proper place. When a tooth is removed it can cause neighboring teeth to migrate towards the new gap. This can put their own root systems at risk and can also throw off your tooth alignment.
By having replacement teeth fill this gap, your other teeth will be able to stay in line. A filled gap will also be less likely to collect food particles and bacteria throughout the day.
What If I’m Too Afraid to Visit the Dentist?
If you find yourself avoiding a dental appointment due to anxiety, you’re far from alone. Many Americans put off both regular, and even crucial dental appointments due to dental anxiety. We noticed a need, and that’s why our team offers minimal sedation dentistry to help our patients get through the appointment.
A mild sedative can be taken orally, so you won’t have to go through an injection. Knowing that their anxiety will be greatly minimized has helped empower patients to seek out the dental care they need to stay healthy.
We Go the Extra Mile
In addition to offering minimal sedation to help ease anxiety, we also strive to make our office as welcoming and soothing as possible. Relaxing music can be provided via headphones, and massage chairs, warm towels, and soft blankets are available after treatments.
When you set up an appointment and request sedation, you’ll need a driver to take you to and from the office. Your companion is welcome to stay in our office during your appointment or can drop you off and pick you back up after you’re done. Our team can also help arrange nursing care or hotel accommodations if needed.
Learn More About How Our Team Can Help Your Smile
Our team doesn’t just have the experience needed to give you great care, we also have the passion to find you a good solution. If you’re ready to learn more about the different options we have available for you, contact us at Steven C. Hewett, DDS, in Champions Gate, FL, today for your consultation.
