Our last blog focused on the use of bridges to address a single missing tooth. But what if you have more than one missing teeth, and what if these gaps are spread out across your smile? In these situations, you may need a partial denture to fill the gaps and offer a lifelike appearance. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist talks about creating a partial prosthetic.
The Risks of Advanced Tooth Loss
When you lose several teeth, these gaps could cause remaining teeth to drift from position, the resulting misalignment increasing the risk of complications like tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, the strain on the jaw joints and the negative impacts in bite balance means issues like TMJ disorder and chronic teeth grinding become more likely. With enough missing teeth, eating a variety of foods becomes difficult, limiting your nutritional intake. You could also have trouble speaking clearly, or feel embarrassed in social situations. Which is why when you lose teeth, you should talk to us about possible solutions!
Designing Your Partial Prosthetic
Each prosthetic will be custom-made and fitted or your smile, which ensures a balanced bite and a comfortable fit. To begin, we perform an exam and take a series of detailed digital images. The exam lets us identify the underlying causes of your tooth loss, so we can treat them. The digital images let us design and craft the prosthetic in a dental lab setting, crafting it to your smile’s specifications. The finished product will contain pontics, also known as new teeth, set in an acrylic base that looks like gum tissue. Metal clasps that remain unseen when you wear the denture and will attach to natural teeth and secure the prosthetic. The partial is removable and will need to cleaned and soaked occasionally, and will last up to ten years!
Avoiding Future Tooth Loss
To preserve your remaining teeth, we will discuss treating underlying issues like gum disease. In addition, at home you can continue to brush and floss properly each day, and enjoy a healthier diet. A visit every six months means we watch your smile for issues that could cause the loss of additional teeth, addressing them before this happens. If you have any questions about avoiding tooth loss, or about filling the gaps in your smile, then please contact our team to learn more.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT PARTIAL DENTURES?
Our team wants to make sure you continue to enjoy a complete smile with our dentures. To learn more about treating one or more missing teeth with a bridge, denture, or dental implants, then schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
