Millions of Americans are living with an incomplete smile. In fact, 178 million have lost at least one tooth, and another 40 million are missing all of their teeth. This has created not just an oral health crisis but an attack on self-esteem, as well.
Fortunately, you have access to an expert who specializes in smile restoration procedures.
Here, Dr. Hannah Baek with Healthy Smile Dental takes a closer look at one of the most popular options for replacing missing teeth.
Partial dentures consist of a plate with one or more artificial teeth attached to it, which comes with clips or clasps to help keep the denture in place.
They can either be made from plastic or a mixture of metal and plastic. Though plastic partial dentures are less expensive, they can easily damage your teeth, unless an expert like Dr. Baek makes them.
Metal dentures are much sturdier and are usually made from a combination of cobalt and chromium. Metal dentures are also light to wear and are easily supported by your other teeth. The base is metal, but it’s covered by a plastic, gum-colored plate that hides the base.
We typically recommend partial dentures for our patients who need to replace one or more teeth. You’re also a candidate if you still have some or most of your natural teeth left to support the denture, as well as healthy gums.
During your consultation in our office, Dr. Baek conducts a thorough review of your oral health history and closely examines your mouth. If she determines that partial dentures are right for you, you can look forward to the following benefits.
The first step in making your partial dentures is taking an impression of your mouth. This ensures that your dentures will fit your specifications exactly.
Some smile restoration options cost an arm and a leg to save your smile. Not with partial dentures. They offer a much more cost-effective route to filling the gaps in your smile.
Unlike dental implant surgery, which requires several invasive procedures, partial dentures are completely noninvasive and pain-free.
With parietal dentures firmly in place, you can chew and speak with ease. It may take a week or two to get used to your dentures. After that, you can enjoy a fully functioning mouth.
Many cite their smile problems as the crux of their confidence issues. Partial dentures restore your smile with natural-looking replacement teeth that make you proud to flash a grin.
Gaps in your teeth put your remaining teeth in jeopardy. Partial dentures prevent shifting that can lead to severe misalignments in your other teeth. A full mouth of teeth supports your overall oral health.
Just because you have dentures, doesn’t mean you can throw your oral hygiene routine out the window. It’s important to remove your dentures so you can effectively brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. This not only keeps your mouth free of plaque, it stimulates tissue circulation, as well.
Your dentures also need some TLC. Brush your dentures daily as you would your natural teeth to prevent debris build-up and discoloration. When you aren’t actively using your dentures (such as while sleeping), keep them submerged in water to avoid warping.
If you’d like to see if partial dentures are right for you, take your first steps toward a healthier-looking smile and request an appointment online or over the phone at our Woodridge, Illinois, office.
