Understanding Partial Dentures

Why do lost teeth need replacement? The muscles and bones of the head neck and jaw areas grow in concert with the eruption of our permanent teeth and the establishment of our chewing function. When teeth are lost, this leaves a gap in the bite pattern that can change how food is chewed and even how we hold our mouths at rest. This can cause the surrounding bones and muscles to respond, resulting in discomfort or stress in the jaw, head and neck. Additionally, without a full dentition (set of teeth) effective chewing may be compromised which can lead to changes in the diet that can further impact health and well being.

A partial denture can be created by a Suwanee dentist to fit around remaining healthy teeth. Partial dentures can be taken out for cleaning, and are fitted to the real teeth via a metal or plastic anchor to keep them in place.

To make a partial denture, a mold is first made of the exposed gum, neighboring teeth and jaw area where it will be located. A denture is crafted and fitted by the dentist only when the target area is not affected by inflammation or pain.

Dentures are prepared from a variety of materials and the preferred material is chosen based on the desired outcome. Polymer dentures are more natural looking and more sturdy than the more common plastic ones. People willingly pay the extra money for the better result of the polymer dentures.

Caring for partial dentures requires the same effort as caring for a full set of dentures, and should be incorporated into any existing oral hygiene plans. People using partial dentures should take them out and brush them when they brush their teeth after a meal. This is to ensure that the denture does not carry any food particles that could irritate the gums. The dentures should also be taken out at night to ensure safety and to maintain good oral hygiene.

Partial denture wearers will need to visit their Suwanee dentist regularly to monitor the condition of their gums and perform any required maintenance.