What might happen if you try constructing a building without all its key building blocks in place? The structure may stand, but it’ll lack the strength and stability to function properly, making it vulnerable to collapse. Similarly, your smile depends on every tooth to work as a cohesive unit. When even one tooth is missing, it weakens the overall foundation, affecting how you eat, smile, and speak. Partial dentures act like those crucial building blocks, filling the gaps and restoring the strength and balance of your smile. If you’re missing teeth and want to rebuild your smile, partial dentures or one of our many alternatives could be the solution.
What Are Partial Dentures?
Dentures aren’t just for individuals who are missing all their teeth. Partial dentures are a type of dental appliance designed to replace one or more missing teeth in your arch. They have three key components:
- The base is typically made from a pink acrylic material designed to look like natural gums. This foundation supports the artificial teeth.
- The false teeth, usually constructed from acrylic resin or porcelain, sit on top of the gum-colored base. Porcelain offers a more natural appearance, while acrylic resin is lighter in weight.
- The clasps connect the denture to the remaining teeth for stability. This portion may be acrylic or metal, depending on patient needs and preferences. While metal is more durable, it’s more visible in the mouth than acrylic.
Partial Denture Alternatives
While partial dentures have been a tried-and-true method for replacing missing teeth, they have certain limitations. They may not offer the same stability as fixed options and can become loose or uncomfortable over time as your gums and mouth change shape. After tooth loss, the jawbone deteriorates because the tooth roots no longer stimulate it when you bite and chew. Unfortunately, partial dentures don’t prevent the bone from shrinking and changing shape, so a once well-fitting denture can ultimately feel wobbly and unstable. As a result, periodic maintenance is needed to maintain a proper fit.
Many patients seek partial denture alternatives in hopes of achieving better results, whether they’ve used them for years or are exploring tooth replacement options for the first time.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a good option when multiple teeth are missing in a row. A bridge is a series of splinted teeth with crowns on each end. These crowns connect to healthy teeth on each side of the gap to support the appliance. Patients like dental bridges because they are fixed in place, offering more stability and comfort than partial bridges. The secure fit allows for easier eating, speaking, and daily wear without the worry of shifting or slipping. Plus, oral hygiene is simpler with a bridge, as cleaning it doesn’t require the same specialized maintenance.
Mini Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts that replace missing tooth roots and support single-tooth or multiple-teeth restorations. These devices prevent bone loss and offer a more permanent solution to tooth loss because they are embedded in the jawbone.
As a Mini Dental Implant Center of America, our practice specializes in mini implants. Our dentists use these narrow-diameter implants to provide advanced tooth replacement solutions to more patients than ever. Because mini dental implants are so narrow, even patients with bone loss can qualify for them. This makes them an ideal solution for those who were previously told they aren’t candidates for conventional implants.
We place mini implants in one quick, minimally invasive procedure. At this same visit, we can top the implant with a dental crown, providing immediate results. Thanks to their efficiency, durability, and affordability, mini implants are often the preferred treatment option.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Mini dental implants can support single crowns and anchor dental bridges. An implant-supported bridge is an excellent option when patients don’t have healthy teeth neighboring the gap. By using implants for support, the natural teeth aren’t subject to excess pressure. The implants absorb and distribute bite forces instead, protecting your remaining teeth.
An advantage of mini dental implants is their incredible versatility. For patients with tooth loss spread throughout the jaw, we can restore oral function using a combination of implant-supported crowns and bridges.
Discover If Partial Dentures or Dental Implants Are Right for You!
Partial dentures, bridges, and mini dental implants are vital tools in restoring the function and appearance of your smile. By filling in the gaps left by missing teeth, they improve your ability to eat and speak, and give you the confidence that comes with a complete smile. If you’re ready to explore how our tooth replacement options can enhance your quality of life, our team is eager to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!
