Last week, we explained how a single missing tooth could be addressed with a dental bridge. But what if you have gaps spread out across your smile, too severe to be treated with a bridge? To offer a full smile again, your Des Moines, IA, dentist could suggest creating and securing a partial denture, one custom-made for your smile. In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about how we improve smiles with these custom dentures!
The Causes and Dangers of Tooth Loss
When you lose a substantial number of your missing teeth, the remaining ones could begin to drift from position due to these gaps. Over time, misalignment then forms that further impacts your smile beauty, and also increases the risk of complications like cavities or even periodontal disease. Missing teeth also make negative changes to your bite balance and potential strain on your jaw joints, strain linked to issues like TMJ disorder and even chronic teeth grinding (bruxism). Not to mention the problems speaking clearly or eating your favorite foods. Possible causes include untreated periodontal disease, injury, or untreated cavities or infections.
Creating a Lifelike Prosthetic
The partial is meant for the in-between, the cases of tooth loss too severe for a bridge but not substantial enough that a complete denture is necessary. To design them, we start by taking a series of measurements and images with digital scanning technology. In a dental lab, the information we gather will be used to design a prosthetic and create it using durable materials. The base will be made from acrylic and designed to look like gum tissue, and the teeth will be crafted form materials like ceramic, which ensure bite forces and can be color-matched to blend with your smile.
Placing and Maintaining Your Partial
When your prosthetic is ready, a metal clasps will be used to attach to natural teeth and secure your denture. But don’t worry, the clasps is invisible when your teeth are in. The prosthetic will need to be removed for periodic cleaning and soaking, and will provide detailed instructions. On average, they last about 5 to 10 years before requiring replacement, as the jaw ridge will change shape with time. We could also suggest changes to your daily oral hygiene habits, and procedures to address underlying oral health issues like gum disease, to helps safeguard your remaining natural teeth.
If you have any questions about tooth loss, whether regarding prevention or tooth replacement, then contact our team today.
Ready to Address Your Lost Teeth Again?
We want to help you maintain a full, functional, and attractive smile with our partial dentures. For more information treating more severe cases of tooth loss, or to schedule your appointment with our Des Moines, IA team, contact Gateway Dental Group by calling 515-244-9565 today.