What Are Partial Dentures and How Are They Used?

If you have ever wondered, “What are partial dentures?” you most likely have a need they can fulfill. The partial lack of teeth, also known as edentulism affects the majority of American adults. We can provide you with partial dentures or complete dentures to restore a smile to full functionality. Complete dentures are for patients who are missing all their teeth. Dentures are also a great option for many people.

What are partial dentures?

Partial dentures are a removable appliance that consists of artificial or prosthetic teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic-acrylic base. Partial dentures can be secured more and held in place by a metal framework or tooth-colored attachments. Partial dentures are used for patients who are missing one or more natural teeth, but not all of their teeth. These dentures work with both the upper and lower jaw, remaining secure in either location during use.

Partial dentures are a great addition to a smile that is missing teeth because it fills in the spaces and prevents other remaining teeth from experiencing extra pressure and damage from overuse. Partial dentures will also provide a realistic replacement option that improves one’s smile and confidence.

What are the consequences of not receiving partial dentures?

Medically, the consequences of not replacing missing teeth include unwanted and unhealthy nutritional changes. There are also potential risks of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, depression, and an increase in the likelihood of developing cancer. These are all prominent health risks that are avoidable by providing a dental structure with partial dentures or another quality tooth replacement option.

In addition to health risks, not receiving partial dentures when you need them can lead to a lack of confidence. Many people become ashamed of their smiles once they lose teeth, and they never want to laugh or express joy or happiness. When you smile, you appear friendlier, more confident, and more successful. You can gain back your healthy self-esteem by visiting to receive realistic-looking dentures that look natural and will feel natural with time, too.

What is the process for receiving partial dentures?

The process of receiving your customized partial dentures is relatively easy when compared to more invasive replacement procedures that take a long time, like dental implants. The creation and fitting of your partial dentures will take a few weeks at most. We will first make impressions and molds of your remaining teeth, gums, and jaw that will help us create partial dentures that fit you perfectly.

We will also take precise measurements of the distance between your jaws and the gap left by missing teeth. After this process, we will make a cast of your dentures during a visit for a fitting. Once final adjustments are made, you will get to go home with well-fitted, attractive, and functional partial dentures.

We hope your question, “What are partial dentures?” was answered in full. For more information about the process or receiving your own partial dentures, make an appointment with Alyssa J. Albright, DDS today.