A partial denture is mostly used to replace a few missing teeth and is anchored to the existing teeth. It may be of two kinds, namely, permanent or removable bridges.
Permanent bridges are partial dentures that are implanted surgically into one’s bone tissue and beneath the gums with the help of a titanium rod. In comparison, removable bridges are more economical. Partial dentures are actually removable dentures made from replacement teeth with gum-colored or light-pink bases.
If there are missing teeth, a dental bridge can make eating and talking easier. The bridge may also prevent teeth from shifting into the gaps. If teeth shift into the gap, there will be other problems. They may all be avoided with partial dentures.
For better comfort and a far more upgraded fit, you may go for a flexible partial denture. There are metallic clasps to hold dentures in place. The dentist can add a crown to the top to improve functionality and strength. An adhesive can be used for added security. This adhesive may be in the paste form or powder form. It offers more retention, stability, bite force, etc. However, one cannot use an adhesive as a fix for ill-fitting dentures.
When it comes to dentures, they may be of different kinds. They can be of acrylic or cast metal. If you are looking for an affordable option in dentures, you may look for acrylic dentures.
But, the base of acrylic may be uncomfortable and seem bulky. A cast metal denture is a suitable choice as the base is constituted of a metallic frame. Being stronger in nature, they fit more comfortably. For optimal fit, you may look for cast metal.
Your first visit to the dentist’s place
It will take several visits to fit the bridges. The dentist takes an impression of the mouth, prepares the mold, makes several adjustments to the fitting, and offers a temporary denture or immediate denture to be used in the meantime. These are placed in the mouth until the custom denture of the patient is ready. The new artificial teeth may seem loose tight or a bit bulky.
While you use dentures, you may also feel soreness or irritation in your mouth. You will observe excessive saliva production. Other uncomfortable symptoms experienced after a denture are altered taste, slurred speech, and an impression of gagging. If there is soreness in the mouth, the dentist will make some adjustments in the mouth. Do not try and adjust the bridge yourself else you will end up damaging it totally.
How do dentists create dentures?
Partial dentures are created by dentists within 4 to 5 visits By the patient. The dentist begins by taking X-rays and examines the mouth tissues your teeth and jaws. He then proceeds to create an impression to make custom dentures for the patient. The impression taken is sent for the denture to be formed.
During the second appointment, the teeth are reshaped. The dentist then tests the shape of the teeth and considers the fit of the denture. On the last visit, the dentist fitted the denture perfectly. The patient is called for a few visits thereafter to ensure that the patient feels no discomfort with the implanted dentures.
When you are new to using dentures, the dentures will feel strange. It may be an odd feeling but slowly and steadily you will get used to it. To reduce soreness, you must eat only soft food. Be careful with your dentures. If you do observe any chips in your denture, consult your dentist immediately as they cannot be possibly repaired at home and since they may cause problems, they need to be repaired.