If you have one or several missing teeth in your mouth, you have three options to choose between when it comes to replacements. You can either choose dental implants, a fixed dental bridge, or removable partial dentures in South Miami. All of these options work to restore normal speaking and chewing capabilities, prevent your teeth from shifting, and improve the appearance of your smile. Depending on your specific circumstances, partial dentures near you may be a good option as a long-term or temporary replacement. In this article, our team at Mirage Dental Arts takes a look at the different types of partials and the pros and cons of each.
Types of Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are made using a resin base attached to artificial teeth and are custom-made by dental laboratories using impressions of your mouth structure.
A temporary partial is known as a flipper and acts as an immediate tooth replacement after extraction. The main reason individuals choose to get flippers is that they do not have to be without a tooth for aesthetic reasons. Most of the time, flippers are not very functional- they are supported by your gums and can cause irritation and thinning of the soft tissue in your mouth.
Traditional removable partial dentures in Kendall work to replace one or more missing teeth and use clasps that attach to healthy abutment teeth as anchors in the mouth. The clasps can be made out of flesh or tooth-colored resin material so that they blend in seamlessly with your smile. With traditional partial dentures, you will be able to function normally and prevent further damage to your remaining natural teeth and gums.
What Are the Advantages of Partial Dentures?
When you visit Mirage Dental Arts looking for information about partial dentures, our South Miami dentist will likely explain to you the following benefits associated with partial dentures:
- Partial dentures are minimally invasive and affordable dental restorations in comparison to other tooth replacement options.
- Partial dentures can be adjusted to add additional teeth in certain circumstances.
- Partial dentures are a better option than full dentures to replace lost teeth on the lower jaw as they are easier to adapt to.
What Are the Disadvantages of Partial Dentures
Any good dentist in Kendall will also take the time to remind you of some of the potential drawbacks of any dental procedure. Here are some of the disadvantages associated with partial dentures:
- You will need to spend time adapting to the feel of partial dentures.
- Partial dentures may not function to the same degree as dental bridges or implants.
- Partial dentures can increase the risk of plaque accumulation around the abutment teeth and gum line, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
- You must remove your partial dentures at night.
Looking After Your Oral Health With Partial Dentures
Your dentist in South Miami will provide you with instructions about how to look after your partial dentures and your mouth if you choose to get them. Partial dentures need to be removed at night while you rest to allow your gum tissues time to heal and rejuvenate. You will also need to continue to brush your teeth and gums twice a day and floss in between all your teeth and around your abutment teeth. Additionally, you need to take care of your partial dentures with denture toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep the plaque and bacteria-free.
Finally, ensure that you continue to visit Mirage Dental Arts at least once every six months for a professional dental cleaning and checkup.