Choosing Partial Dentures for Tooth Replacement
Partial dentures only represent one of the many options patients can choose from.
When to Get Partial Dentures
Partial dentures become a viable option almost every time someone loses their
teeth. Even the loss of one tooth can result in the use of partial dentures to
rectify the problem. If a person decides to get implants or bridges, they may
still wear dentures temporarily until this work is completed.
Note that young people lose their teeth too. One of the most common reasons for
this is facial trauma, such as a sporting injury, motor vehicle accident, or a
bad fall. These instances can lead to not just missing teeth, but also cracking
and breaking.
In addition to this, young people may struggle with cavities. In fact, tooth
decay affects people of all ages, especially those who love sugary foods and
fizzy drinks. People with poor dental hygiene may also suffer more from caries
than others.
Another effect of poor dental hygiene is gum disease, which is sometimes known as
periodontal disease. This infection of the gums and the material surrounding the
teeth may lead to complete tooth loss over time. People who smoke are more
likely to suffer from gum disease than others.
Finally, there are several other health conditions and medications that may
result in tooth loss. Diabetes, ectodermal dysplasia, rheumatoid arthritis, and
gastrointestinal reflux may all increase the likelihood of tooth loss over time.
How Partial Dentures Are Made
Some processes may differ depending on the materials used in making partial
dentures, but it typically advances in the following sequence.
The process starts with taking an impression of the mouth. The dentist then
creates a model using dental stone as a cast. The doctor may then ask the
patient to try several different sets of sterilized partial dentures to
determine the ideal fit as well as the preferred color and size of the teeth.
After these selections, the dentist may then make some adjustments to the cast.
Thereafter, it is sent to a dental laboratory for completion.
At the dental lab, technicians may then create a wax version of the gum line.
These technicians make the replacement teeth from a material that closely
resembles real teeth known as resin. Virtually all labs then seek approval from
the patient and dentist before proceeding with the finishing touches.
Following approval, the technician removes the wax and replaces it with acrylic,
which looks far more realistic. This process entails boiling to get rid of the
wax, drilling holes in the teeth, and then injecting the acrylic. Finally,
technicians clean up the teeth and polish the appliance. The entire process may
require the patient to visit the dentist’s office four to five times.
Types of Dentures
When patient’s lookup types of dentures, they mostly come across full dentures
and partial dentures. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg. Over the
past few years, dentists created hybrids with other dental treatments to provide
patients with even more options. You may contact one of our Elizabeth H Guerrero
DDS team members to find out which denture is right for you. Our practice offers
partial dentures for patients who need to replace a few missing teeth to restore
their smile.
When a patient still has teeth to blend in and anchor with the newly created
teeth, the dentist may recommend partial dentures. This may require the use of a
metal piece to which a pink-colored base is attached. The metal helps to anchor
the false teeth to the natural teeth to prevent movement.