If you’ve lost one or more of your natural teeth, getting a replacement is essential to prevent the shifting and bone loss that can come with missing teeth.
You have options when it comes to replacing a missing natural tooth, from dental bridges and implants to implant-support dentures, with each having its various features and benefits. But could partial dentures be a good replacement option for your missing teeth? Here’s what you need to know about this form of dental restoration for your smile!
How Many Teeth Do I Need to Be Missing to Qualify for Partial Dentures?
Technically, you only need to be missing one tooth to have it replaced with a partial denture [1]. People can be missing a single tooth or several teeth, and all can be fitted with a custom partial denture to help restore the appearance and function of your smile.
However, if you’re missing all of your natural teeth, you’ll need to discuss full dentures or other restoration options for your smile instead of partials.
What Are Partial Dentures Made Of?
Partial dentures are custom-made to fit your unique smile and fill in the gaps of missing teeth.
These restorations fit similarly to a retainer and are made with metal framework with plastic or acrylic to mimic your teeth and gums [2]. Dentures are designed to look like your natural missing teeth and attach to your remaining teeth to provide you with a dental restoration that’s easy to wear and remove for cleaning.
How Do I Know If Partial Dentures Are Right for Me?
While most patients will qualify for partial dentures, this dental restoration may be a good
option for you if:
- You’re missing one or more of your natural teeth
- You don’t qualify for dental implants
- You want to prevent the preparation work for adjacent teeth that dental bridges require
Your dentist can review the features of partial dentures with you to determine if this dental restoration is right for you!
What Are The Benefits of Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures allow you to restore the look and function of your natural teeth with a non-invasive dental repair. For patients that have dental anxiety about invasive procedures, partial dentures could be a viable tooth replacement option.
Another benefit of partial dentures is that they’ve been shown to help prevent bone loss in the jaw that can lead to a prematurely aged face [3]. Our tooth roots are what help keep our faces looking full and youthful, so a partial denture can help your teeth remain in place and prevent bone and tooth root reabsorption.
Need a Functional Replacement for Missing Teeth?
When you’re considering a replacement for your missing teeth, a partial denture could be an option for you. Schedule an appointment with your experienced dentist today to learn more about this restoration for your smile!
Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/dentures.html
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dentures-partial
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23892861
