Partial dentures can help replace missing teeth and restore the appearance of your smile. However, it is important to weigh cost and appearance when selecting the best option for you.

Conventional partial dentures Tallahassee FL have clasps that wrap around healthy abutment teeth to keep them secure. They may require crowns on these natural teeth to improve the fit and add esthetic appeal.

Cost

A removable prosthetic device that fills gaps left by missing teeth, a denture improves chewing ability and speech, as well as the appearance of your smile. It is a great option for patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth in the upper or lower jaws. It may take a few days to adjust to a new denture, but discomfort should subside within a few weeks.

The cost of a denture will vary depending on your specific needs, including the type of partial or full denture you choose and whether it is permanent or temporary. The process of getting a custom fit takes several appointments: a diagnosis is made; impressions and wax bites are taken to establish vertical dimensions, proper jaw position and shade or color of the replacement teeth; and a “try-in” denture is placed to assure correct shape, size and fit.

Partials that are permanently seated require daily care to remove plaque and bacteria that can build up around the remaining natural teeth. Your dentist may recommend a special non-abrasive brush, cleaning tablets or soaking solution for your denture. Remember to take them out at night to give your gums and jawbone a chance to rest.

Appearance

A removable partial denture is custom fabricated to meet the needs of each individual patient. It fills in gaps left by missing teeth and prevents other healthy teeth from shifting out of place. It has clasps that hook around surrounding natural teeth to hold it securely in place. The prosthetic can also help preserve facial structure and prevent jaw shrinkage.

A complete denture is a gum colored base that holds a full row of replacement teeth. It can be fabricated two different ways: conventionally, after all remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed; or immediately, following extractions with an immediate denture.

Using dentures can take some time to get used to, especially when speaking. It may feel bulky or loose at first, but that feeling will disappear as the muscles in your mouth, tongue and cheeks adjust to chewing and talking with them. You may need to use a denture adhesive, which helps improve the fit and comfort of your dentures.

Function

Although esthetics are the primary reason patients request a partial denture, they can also improve chewing and speaking functions. In addition, they can reduce stress on the remaining natural teeth. During your first consultation, your prosthetist will determine your clinical needs by taking into consideration the number and location of missing teeth. They will also assess the stability of neighboring natural teeth.

Conventional removable partial dentures Tallahassee FL have clasps that wrap around healthy abutment teeth to hold the appliance in place. Clasps may be made from resin material to be less visible, or metal, often as part of a framework throughout the entire partial. A well-fitting partial denture will evenly distribute biting forces, prevent trauma to the gums and natural teeth, and look and feel lifelike.

Stomadent is pleased to offer a hybrid metal/flexible partial that utilizes a Titanium or Wironium framework with Acetal Resin or Valplast clasps, depending on the patient’s preference and the number of remaining natural teeth. This type of custom-designed hybrid partial can be more costly than conventional metal/flexible partials, but it’s a great option for patients who prefer the comfort and strength of titanium.

Maintenance

Partial dentures are a great way to replace missing teeth and bring back your natural smile. However, like any other tooth-replacement solution, they require maintenance to stay in good condition. Regular brushing, soaking overnight, and handling with care will help ensure that your dentures last longer and remain comfortable.

Partials may feel awkward when you first start eating, but the more you use them, the more they will become a natural part of your mouth. They can also improve your bite, bringing back the function of your natural teeth and restoring your smile’s esthetics.

Always handle your partials with clean hands and avoid dropping them. Make sure you rinse them before and after each meal and store them in a container that prevents them from drying out. It is also important to visit your dentist in Tallahassee FL regularly for cleaning and check-ups. These visits will allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your dentures and remaining natural teeth.