Having one or even a few missing teeth can seriously impact how comfortable you feel with smiling and laughing. In some cases, it may even affect your self-esteem.
One of the significant ways to overcome this is to invest in the dentures Mornington locals are using to complete their smiles. If you don’t need full dentures, speaking to your dentist about partial dentures is a good idea.
Partial Dentures Explained
Partial dentures refer to the concept of a plate with one or a few teeth attached to it. The plate has clasps or clips that help to keep the dentures in place and are attached to your other teeth. Typically, these dentures are made from plastic or a resin mixture.
In some instances, your dentist may also make partial dentures made of a combination of chromium and cobalt as these are lightweight and more comfortable to wear. These are then attached to a metal plate that’s gum-colored to make it appear more natural.
Partial dentures are ideal for someone who only has a few teeth missing and still has strong, healthy teeth to support the plate. Having healthy gums is also a must to avoid further dental complications.
Complete Your Smile
Dentists will always recommend partial dentures if there are no other issues with your teeth or gums. Here are a few top reasons why.
Non-Invasive
The number one reason that partial dentures are an excellent alternative is that they are non-invasive. Some dental procedures, such as dental implant surgery, require several ongoing invasive procedures. This can be painful and uncomfortable as you wait for your mouth to heal.
Partial dentures, on the other hand, are non-invasive and in most cases don’t require any surgery. The only time you may require an additional procedure is if the partial denture is replacing a broken tooth where the damaged piece must be removed. For the most part, partial dentures are simply measured, created, and then clipped onto the surrounding teeth.
Designed for a Custom Fit
Since the first step of getting partial dentures involves taking an impression of your mouth, the dentures will then fit your mouth exactly, meaning they easily fit into the open space. There are no loose dentures that are uncomfortable, and there’s also no rubbing against your gums as you try and get them to fit.
More Affordable than Complete Dentures
It’s no secret that many dental restoration procedures can be quite costly. This is often one of the top reasons why people don’t do anything about their dental issues until it becomes an emergency.
Luckily this isn’t the case with partial dentures. Since there’s usually no need for surgery, and only one or a few teeth are being replaced, this option is significantly more affordable. This makes it a cost-effective way to fill any gaps in your mouth.
Supports Oral Health
Many people are unaware that missing teeth affect the other teeth around them. This happens when the remaining teeth start shifting toward the open space, causing more gaps and misalignments.
This in turn can lead to more damaged and weaker teeth. Ultimately, this can lead to more dental issues down the line. Partial dentures will ensure that you have a full mouth of teeth, which goes a long way toward encouraging better oral health.
Makes Speaking and Chewing Easier
Some teeth can seriously affect the way you chew your food or pronounce words. Not being able to chew your food properly also hampers proper digestion and may affect your overall gut health.
Filling the missing space in your mouth will make eating and speaking much easier. More good news is that getting used to your partial dentures only takes a few days, meaning you’ll be eating and speaking normally in no time.
Makes Wearing a Mouth Guard Easier
If you play sports and need to wear a mouth guard, you will know how difficult it can be to do this comfortably if there aren’t teeth for the guard to rest on. Filling the gaps with partial dentures will ensure that your mouthguard can easily lie the way it’s supposed to. This will keep your mouth and other teeth safe and also make managing your mouthguard easier.
Simple Maintenance
Partial dentures are easy to maintain, and if you only have one small plate, the process is even simpler. Here’s how to maintain your partial dentures:
- Remove your dentures and soak overnight.
- Brush the dentures and the plate at least twice daily.
- Work over the sink to avoid accidentally dropping your dentures on the floor.
- Use denture cleansers or baking soda to remove any food particles.
- Add vinegar to a little water and baking soda to make a paste and use this to remove plaque that may be on your dentures.
Durability and Longevity
Partial dentures are designed to last for many years if taken care of properly. With the right maintenance and regular dental check-ups, they can continue to function effectively without needing frequent replacements. In fact, modern partial dentures are made with durable materials that resist wear and tear. Regular adjustments by your dentist can help maintain the fit as your mouth changes over time, ensuring continued comfort and functionality.
Enhances Confidence and Quality of Life
Missing teeth can often cause people to feel self-conscious, especially when it comes to social situations. Partial dentures restore confidence by filling in the gaps, allowing you to smile, speak, and eat comfortably without worrying about the aesthetics of your teeth. This boost in self-esteem can have a positive impact on your overall well-being, improving your social interactions and quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Partial dentures are the most cost-effective way to repair minor gaps in your mouth. Not only will this help you maintain your overall oral health, but it can make smiling and eating better. More importantly, you’ll have your beautiful smile back!