Jun
Missing teeth can be detrimental to oral health. Whether you are missing one tooth or several, there are options when it comes to replacement. When entire arches of teeth are missing, we will recommend complete denture or dental implants. When just a single tooth or a few teeth are missing, we may recommend partial dentures.
It is important to fill the empty spaces from missing teeth to minimize the shifting of remaining teeth and also to reduce the ability for bacteria to accumulate in the gap.
There are several different types of partial dentures available. While most will appear the same visibly, they differ in the material used and the way the artificial teeth are supported.
The two main types of partial dentures are fixed and removable. Removable partials are made of a plastic base that is fabricated to match the natural color of your gums. The base is connected to adjacent teeth by a metal framework. Fixed partial dentures consist of two dental crowns that are fitted on top of adjacent teeth. The artificial teeth rest between the dental crowns to complete the smile.
The process for receiving partial dentures starts with your consultation. During this appointment, we will assess the area of gums where teeth are missing as well as adjacent teeth, which will allow us to recommend the most suitable solution for your situation. At this point, the fabrication process can begin. Most patients can expect the process for completing partial dentures to last anywhere from two to six weeks.
After receiving your partial dentures, there will be an adjustment period. During the first few weeks, we recommend that patients try to eat soft foods and begin to slowly transition back to his or her regular diet. There may be some mild irritation from the new denture, but this is only temporary and will go away after a few weeks when the mouth adapts to the appliance.
Replacing missing teeth is vital to maintaining a beautiful smile and oral health. If you are missing teeth and would like to learn more about partial dentures, we invite you to call our office today at (248) 243-6044 and schedule your consultation.