What are Partial Dentures?

If you are missing or will be having a number of teeth extracted in an area of your mouth, partial dentures can be a great option when deciding how best to restore the area. If you do not want a fixed bridge or implants, a partial is a cost-effective way to keep the area in good health and functioning properly. Your dentist can help you decide what restoration is best for you.

Leaving space open in your mouth is not a good idea. Healthy teeth want to shift to fill the space which can compromise the bone structure and cause problems down the road. The form and function of your entire mouth and facial structure can be at risk, as can the soft tissue of your gums, and the appearance of your face can change.

Additional Benefits to Having a Partial Denture

A partial denture is removable and is, therefore, easier to clean and maintain than a fixed bridge. Partials are less invasive than dental implants and far less costly than either implants or a bridge. Regular wear and tear are easily repaired since the partial is removable.

Cost of a Partial Denture

The biggest factor of the cost of a partial denture is the number of teeth the denture will hold. Additional fees may come into play if you need extractions and/or bone grafts. Your dentist will be able to give you a treatment plan, showing an estimated cost for your denture. The oral surgeon will be able to provide a treatment plan as well, outlining the fees you may accrue with extractions and/or grafts.

Am I able to eat with my partial denture?

Your partial denture was created to fill the void left by missing teeth and not just the physical space in your mouth! Eating the foods you love is one of the many advantages of getting a partial denture. Once you have adapted the way your partial feels in your mouth and it is adjusted to perfection, you will be able to eat everything you did before, if not more!

Can I sleep with my partial denture in my mouth?

Unfortunately, no. Partial dentures, like all removable dentures, are not meant to be slept in. Sleeping is the time for your gum tissue to have a break from supporting the partial. And if you are one of the millions of patients who clench and grind their teeth in their sleep, subjecting your partial to that pressure and friction can cause damage and shorten the lifespan of your partial denture. Take your partial out each night and clean it thoroughly as well as your gums.

While a fixed dental bridge or individual dental implants may be great restorations, they are not for everyone. If you think you would prefer to have a removable partial denture, speak with your dentist to learn more and find out if a partial denture is right for you.

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