Having a full set of teeth is important in several ways. It makes your smile look good and can even help your face look normal and more youthful. Of course, you use your teeth to chew and talk correctly. So when you are missing several teeth, you are facing several problems. That’s why partial dentures options are so useful.
Dr. Rogers on Treating Older Adults
Partial Dentures Will Close Gaps in Teeth
When you are missing teeth, you really need to replace them. It’s harder to eat without all of your teeth. Food particles can also collect in the empty spaces, increasing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. If you’re missing just a single tooth, a dental bridge or dental implant will do the job. But if you’re missing several in a row, dentures from our White Rock/South Surrey, BC dental office will work nicely to replace them.
Partial dentures are several replacement teeth connected in a row. Each replacement is made individually for you. Tiny clasps are connected to your existing teeth to hold onto your partial dentures. You snap them in and take them out as needed. Partial dentures do not require surgery and are easy to clean.
Dentures Vs. Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
Another option for replacing several teeth is an implant-supported dental bridge. A dental bridge normally uses two porcelain crowns to hold a replacement tooth in the gap. That’s not secure enough for multiple teeth, so an implant-supported dental bridge uses dental implants to hold onto several replacement teeth.
Partial dentures are an alternative to implant supported teeth if you don’t have enough bone to have implants. The bone tissue must be healthy and thick enough to safely support the implants. If it is not, then partial dentures may be an option. They are held in place with clasps which fit around your existing teeth.
Keep Dentures in Your Mouth
Traditional dentures use a special adhesive to hold onto your gums. If you eat something tough or hard, there’s a chance the adhesive will give way and your dentures will either move around or even fall out. That doesn’t happen as much with partial dentures since they use tiny clasps to hold onto your natural teeth.
Proper Denture Care
Partial dentures are designed to stay wet since they sit in your mouth all day. If they dry out, they can warp and not fit as well. When you take your partial dentures out at night, keep them submerged in clean, cool water. Cleaning your dentures is important. Even though they cannot get cavities, they can collect bacteria, get stained, or start to smell. Do not use regular toothpaste, as that can damage your replacement teeth. Instead, use a special dentures toothpaste or a denture cleaner. Make sure you only use cold water, as hot water can warp the dentures.
Ready to use partial dentures to get a normal, healthy smile again? Call us today at 604-536-7606 ext 1 or use our convenient online form for your next appointment for dentures. New patients can always receive a free initial consultation. The free consultation is your chance to meet with Dr. Rogers and his team for a brief visual exam and evaluation. This initial visit will not include X-rays, diagnostic tests, or a teeth cleaning, but we can take care of those things at your next appointment.