Partial Dentures
Tulsa, OK
Tooth loss is a big deal. Whether you lose teeth as a result of gum disease, facial trauma, or some other issue, tooth loss does so much more than impact the quality of your smile. Losing teeth severely impact your abilities to eat and speak. Healthy teeth on either side of the empty space in your mouth begin to shift out of alignment, altering your bite. At Smiles of Tulsa, we can provide a replacement for sections of missing teeth with partial dentures.
What are Partial Dentures?
Where a dental bridge is often used to replace up to three consecutive missing teeth, a partial denture is used to replace larger sections of missing teeth. Partial dentures, like full dentures, are a removable prosthesis. They consist of a base, which sits directly on your gums, and false teeth, which are made to look like the teeth you have lost. A partial denture also has metal clasps, which attach to your healthy teeth to provide additional support. Both partial and full dentures today, sometimes referred to as cosmetic dentures, are made to look much more realistic. Made from impressions of your mouth, the base is made from acrylic and is colored to look exactly like your natural gum tissue. The teeth, which are made from acrylic resin, are designed to look much more natural as well.
Adjusting to New Partial Dentures
There is a bit of an adjustment period when you first get your new partial dentures. They might feel odd in your mouth and maybe even a little uncomfortable. There are things that you can do to adjust to them more easily.
One thing you can do is to eat soft foods in the beginning. Avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy. As you grow more accustomed to your new partial dentures, you can gradually begin to add in more of your new favorite foods. You may also notice that your speech sounds strange. Practice will help you to get used to the new object in your mouth. Over time, your partial dentures will begin to feel more natural. However, if you notice severe discomfort, call the office right away.
Partial Denture Care
Partial dentures, like full dentures, require nightly care. Before removing your partial dentures, place a towel on the counter or fill your sink with water. This will provide a cushion in case you accidentally drop your dentures while you are cleaning them. After taking your denture out, gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture paste. Mild soap and water can also be used. It is important that you do not use regular toothpaste, as this can leave microscopic scratches that can provide hiding places for bacteria. Rinse your partial denture and place it in a glass of denture cleaning solution to soak overnight. After caring for your dentures, take care of the rest of your teeth as normal.
A Modern Alternative to Partial Dentures
Today, you have an additional option to replace a section of missing teeth. This treatment uses dental implants and is called an implant supported bridge. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone. Your bone fuses to the posts as you heal, providing secure support for your replacement teeth. Dental implants provide a long-term solution to tooth loss and have quickly become a highly popular treatment for giving you back a healthy, beautiful smile.
Learn More About Dentures and Multiple Teeth Replacement:
Replacing missing teeth is essential for restoring the functions of your missing teeth and your quality of life. For more information on partial dentures, and dental implants to replace multiple teeth, call Smiles of Tulsa at (918) 891-3059 today. |
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