Many people experience tooth loss at some point in their life, whether due to genetics, decay, traumatic injury, or other issues. If you are missing one or more teeth, it is essential to know that you have options for replacing them. Removable partial dentures are one of several tooth replacement options offered at Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry in Dunedin, Florida.
What are partial dentures?
Partial dentures are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They contain natural-looking false teeth set in a resin that is the color of your gums and are typically held in place by attaching to your existing teeth with clasps for a secure fit. Partial dentures have many benefits for patients who have suffered tooth loss:
- They restore the function of your lost teeth so you can eat your favorite foods again
- Partial dentures are custom designed by Drs. Lepore and Dougherty to look completely natural so you can feel confident about your smile again
- They prevent your existing teeth from shifting within your mouth, which can cause issues with your bite, uneven wear and tear, and bacterial overgrowth
- Removable partial dentures can be fully taken out so that they are easy to clean and take care of
The process for getting partial dentures
The first step in any dental restoration is a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Lepore or Dr. Dougherty so you can discuss the best options for your specific needs and feel confident about your choice. If you decide to get partial dentures, we will take impressions of your mouth so that your denture will have an optimal fit. It is important to note that several appointments are needed to ensure a well-fitting removable partial denture. Dr. Lepore, Dr. Dougherty, and their team will go over each step, customizing your unique needs. Then, the laboratory will create your partial denture based on the specifications that Drs. Lepore and Dougherty give them, such as the size and shape of the teeth. Once your denture is ready, we will have you come in to try it on and adjust it as needed. Sometimes, you will try on a mock-up of the denture to ensure it fits and looks how you want before the final denture is made.
When a patient’s condition does not allow for a bridge or dental implants, removable partial dentures are an excellent treatment option to replace missing teeth. They provide improved aesthetics by replacing the missing teeth in the mouth and improved overall function for eating and speech.
It will typically take multiple appointments for your doctor to design and fit a set of removable partial dentures for you. Removable partial dentures are an appliance placed in the mouth containing replacement teeth typically mounted in a base made of a pink gum-colored resin formed over a wire frame. They are designed to be removable without the assistance of a dental professional.
The process of creating the dentures begins with your doctor taking several impressions of your existing teeth and the area’s missing teeth. These impressions are then sent to a laboratory where an expert technician builds a model of your mouth. The lab then works closely with your doctor to design your appliance, using the model as reference. As each phase of the design is completed, your doctor will meet with you to check for proper fit and bite alignment. It usually requires multiple incremental fittings to ensure the best final result for you.
After a brief period of adjusting to the feel of the appliance in your mouth, you will gradually be able to eat while wearing your dentures, making eating easier and more pleasurable for you. Once your dentures are finished, and you have fully adjusted to them, you will have a removable restoration specially designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth that improves the overall function of your mouth.
If you are in the Dunedin, FL, area or surrounding communities and are interested in learning more about partial dentures and other dental restoration options, call Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry today at (727) 608-4690.
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