Dentures And Partial Dentures

Tooth loss is common and can happen to anyone. One may lose teeth to decay, dental trauma, gum disease, or advancing age. It is a prevalent phenomenon but many people stay ignorant of the impact missing teeth have on one's oral and overall health. Missing teeth not only affect the aesthetics of your smile but also your oral and overall health. One should replace missing teeth for the following reasons:

• A smile full of gaps is unsightly.
• Missing teeth make one conscious while smiling in social gatherings. Thus, self-esteem and confidence are hampered.
• Over time, the spaces left by missing teeth cause the neighboring teeth to move towards the open space. This leads to orthodontic issues and causes jaw deterioration.
• The facial contour loses its support and starts to droop. This adds years to  the face and makes one look old.
• Gaps between teeth make it difficult to chew food. One may suffer from malnutrition due to missing teeth.
• Gaps between teeth also make it difficult for people to speak properly. People with missing teeth are prone to mispronouncing certain words.
• Missing teeth lead to tissue and bone loss near the area which has suffered tooth loss. Bone and gum recession alter one's physical appearance and make them look old.

Dentures are the most widely used prosthetic devices used to replace missing  teeth. They consist of a gum-colored base attached to artificial teeth, which fits snugly over the gums fills the gap left by missing teeth. Dentures are custom-made using digital prints of the mouth and match the shape, size, and color of natural teeth. One of the biggest advantages of dentures is that they are removable and can be taken out and put back in the mouth according to the patient's free will. There are two types of commonly used dentures. They are:

a. Complete or Full Dentures

b. Partial Dentures

What are complete dentures?

Complete or full dentures are removable dental prosthetics that are used when  one has lost all the natural teeth on a single or both the dental arches. They replace all teeth on a dental arch and provide for a uniform, beautiful, and symmetric smile. A complete denture has two parts:

1. Artificial Teeth

Artificial teeth or false teeth are the custom-made replacements for natural teeth. They are natural-looking and restore the tooth structure, its function, and its occlusion.

2. Acrylic Base

Artificial teeth are attached to a gum-colored acrylic base. The base fits over the gums and provides a foundation to artificial teeth. The upper denture fits in the roof of the mouth while the lower denture is U-shaped and is designed to hold the tongue in place.

What are partial dentures?

Unlike complete or full dentures, partial dentures are used when a few natural  teeth are remaining in the upper or lower jaw. It is used to replace one or more missing teeth on a dental arch. A partial denture consists of a gum-colored base with artificial teeth attached to it. The base is attached to a metal framework, which holds the denture in place.

A partial denture is just like a dental bridge. It consists of a false tooth attached to dental crowns on one or both sides. The false tooth fills the gap left by missing teeth and the crowns anchor themselves on teeth present adjacent to the gap. Such teeth are called abutment teeth and they help in holding the denture in place. The false tooth is called a pontic and it can be made from gold, porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of these materials. Partial dentures are of two types:

1. Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures have attachments that can be temporarily attached to the abutment teeth and can be detached as and when one pleases.

2. Fixed Partial Dentures

Fixed partial dentures are permanently held in place with dental implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically installed in the jawbone and act as roots for missing teeth. Once in position, they are attached to a partial denture. They are the most durable and provide the best solution for missing teeth.

Depending on your unique requirements, the dentist will provide you with the best choice of treatment. Some of the benefits of partial dentures are:

• Partial dentures not only replace missing teeth but also prevent the adjacent teeth from drifting into the spaces created by missing teeth. This helps in preventing future orthodontic issues and jaw deterioration.
• They are customized to match the natural color, size, and shape of teeth. Fixed partial dentures are held in place with dental implants and can easily withstand the biting and chewing forces.
• Restore chewing and speaking abilities by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth.
• Fixed partial dentures use dental implants to stand sturdy. Dental implants keep the underlying jawbone stimulated and prevent bone recession.
• Support the facial contour and make one look youthful.
• Decrease the risk of periodontal disease.
• Don't stress the jaw.
• Cost-effective when compared to other dental restorations. They provide the most affordable solution for replacing missing teeth.
• Easy to maintain and fit into your regular lifestyle comfortably.

We at Inspire Smiles Dental employ the most advanced technology to treat dental ailments with great care and precision. Our entire team is immensely dedicated to looking after our patients' needs with exceptional compassion and caution. Whether you are looking for dental restorations or cosmetic enhancements, Inspire Smiles Dental is a one-stop for all your dental issues and ailments. Book an appointment with us at 925.833.9500 or visit our office in 7739 Amador Valley Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568.