Are you missing a tooth or two? If so, your emotions must be running wild, and you must be feeling embarrassed, ashamed, concerned, and even confused as to how you can solve the issue. But living with a tight-lipped smile is not a way to live, especially in this day and age where our dentist in Tuscaloosa, AL, offers partial dentures.
Partial dentures are worthy investments, especially when you need a quick and less-invasive solution. Your smile will be transformed in a few moments, and you will be able to talk, chew and even laugh as you used to.
However, you will need to know a bit more about partial dentures before getting them to know if they are the best option for you. So, we’ll briefly check out the types of partial dentures before we delve into their advantages and disadvantages.
Types of Partial Dentures
Right off the bat, you need to understand that partial dentures are made of two distinct parts, gums, and artificial teeth. The fake or artificial teeth are attached to the gum-colored base. Tuscaloosa dentures are usually customized for your mouth to fit snugly and comfortably. They ought to fit perfectly and not shift even when you cough.
In most cases, partial dentures are removable, but removable dentures are not the only type of dentures. Here are the types of partial dentures:
Acrylic Partial Dentures
With acrylic partial dentures, our dentist will fix the artificial teeth into the gum-colored base. The gum-colored base is bulky and thick to minimize the chances of breakage. It also has metal clasps that link it to your natural teeth. Even though you can eat and talk comfortably with it, the bulkiness makes it a bit awkward for most patients. Plus, people can see the metal clasps when you open your mouth.
Therefore, our dentist will opt to use this type of denture as a temporary option while you wait for your permanent denture.
Cast Metal Partial Denture
This common option comprises a stiff, ultra-thin metal base holding a set of acrylic teeth. They also have metal clasps that attach the dentures to your remaining teeth. You can go for precision attachments since they are more aesthetically pleasing than metal clasps.
Flexible Partial Dentures
If you are allergic to hypoallergenic materials or find acrylic partial dentures and cast metal dentures uncomfortable, you might like flexible partial dentures. They are crafted from thin, lightweight, and thermoplastic materials that are fitted with injections that fit perfectly over your gum tissues.
The appearance is a bit more natural, and they are more comfortable since they offer tissue attachment.
They have gum-colored clasps, in contrast to the acrylic and cast metal partials, which our dentist will fix between the teeth to ensure that they inconspicuously blend in with your natural teeth.
Advantages of Partial Dentures
Improved Appearance
You can admit that having missing teeth can mar your smile. No one desires to have a gapped smile with large areas missing teeth. You might feel embarrassed and be shy in social gatherings. But with partial dentures, you can say goodbye to your tight-lipped smile.
Partial dentures have evolved, and many designs can bring beauty back to your smile.
Enhanced Self-Esteem
Your appearance affects your personality. At times, your self-esteem could be affected since you have missing teeth. However, filling those gaps in your smile can be a huge confidence booster since you can communicate and interact freely with other people without feeling shy.
Prevents Facial Muscles From Sagging
When you miss several teeth, your facial muscles will begin to sag. You might look much older than since your facial muscles are sagging. However, removable partial dentures will help maintain the facial structure.
Improved Speaking and Chewing
Teeth enable you to chew your food and speak well. If you are missing several teeth, you could have difficulty speaking and chewing. But thanks to partial dentures, you can chew and speak like you never lost a tooth.
Disadvantages of Partial Dentures
Requires Careful Cleaning
Dentures need a lot of meticulous cleaning to ensure that it is bacteria- and fungi-free. Bacterial and fungal growth means that your teeth are in trouble. If you have fixed partial dentures, you will need to clean them the same way as natural teeth.
Initial Discomfort
It takes some time before you get used to dentures. You might experience irritation or have some sore spots. You will need to come to terms with the fact that you have dentures. However, if the pain or soreness persists, you will need to get your mouth checked.
Breakage and Repair
Dentures are a bit brittle, so they can break if they fall down. So, you will need to repair them, which means that it will cost you some more to repair them.
The bottom line is that dentures are an excellent way of replacing missing teeth. Contact us at Dental Care South if you need dentures near you.