Are Partial Dentures Right for Me?

Partial dentures consist of replacement teeth that are attached to a gum-colored plastic base. The base is sometimes attached to the natural teeth using a metal framework that holds it in place in the mouth. They are used to replace one or more missing teeth when the patient still has some natural teeth in their mouth.

DO I NEED TO GET PARTIAL DENTURES?

Partial dentures are important if people have missing teeth. They allow them to speak without impediment if the missing teeth are in the front of their teeth, and chew without being in pain if the missing teeth are in the back of their mouths. There are alternatives like dental implants, which can also replace one or more missing teeth. But, partial dentures are very popular because they are significantly cheaper than implants and do not necessarily require surgery.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PARTIAL DENTURES?

The two most common types of partial dentures are the fixed partial dentures and removable partial dentures.

• Fixed partial dentures are a great option if a patient does not want to go through the trouble of taking out their dentures every day and for those who want something more stable. The artificial teeth are held firmly in place with dental implants, which are fused to the jawbone, preventing the dentures from moving around in the mouth
• Removable partial dentures have the artificial teeth placed in a gum-colored plastic that is attached to the natural teeth using metal clasps that are attached to the plastic. Unlike the fixed dentures, they are not firmly attached and can be removed to clean and store while sleeping. But, they are more likely to come loose in the mouth and affect one’s ability to chew or speak properly

ARE PARTIAL DENTURES COMFORTABLE?

After wearing them for some time, partial dentures can be comfortable. However, when a patient is using them for the first time, there is a period of discomfort until they get used to wearing them on a daily basis. The first few weeks will feel weird until the tongue and the muscles in the cheek learn how to keep them in place. There might be some irritation or soreness as well.

DO PARTIAL DENTURES LOOK LIKE NATURAL TEETH?

The dentures are made to closely resemble natural teeth, but they will be noticeable to someone standing close to the patient. If the patient has fixed partial dentures, they will not be as noticeable because the artificial teeth are made from porcelain and look just like natural teeth.

WILL IT BE DIFFICULT TO EAT WITH PARTIAL DENTURES?

Eating with partial dentures can be daunting at first as the patient gets used to using them. Dentists advise their patients to start with soft foods that are cut into little pieces and chewing with both sides of the mouth until they are used to chewing with the dentures.

CONCLUSION

Partial dentures do a great job replacing natural teeth, but take a little time to get used to. If you want to replace your missing teeth and are thinking about getting partial dentures, talk to your dentist to determine which one of them is right for you.