Tooth Replacement Options: Complete or Partial Denture

Tooth Replacement Options: Complete or Partial Denture

dentures Arlington TXFor centuries, dentures have been used to replace missing teeth. In fact, many notable figures in history wore dentures made from a variety of materials. When patients begin to lose teeth in adulthood, it can be a distressing and traumatic experience.

Missing teeth presents a variety of problems for patients including a diminished ability to eat food properly. Common reasons for the loss of permanent teeth include advanced gum disease, extensive decay, and traumatic injury. To help restore patients’ quality of life and their oral function, our dentist strongly encourages patients to review their tooth replacement options, which include full and partial dentures.

Full and partial dentures are crafted from similar materials but differ in the way that they address tooth loss. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth on either the upper or the lower jaw.  This type of prosthetic is designed for edentulous patients, those who have lost an entire set of teeth or those who have lost teeth and will lose more in cases where multiple extractions are needed. Full sets of dentures rest directly on and slightly over the gums. The shape of the mouth and jaw offer structural support so that patients who wear dentures can enjoy the ability to eat foods and smile without embarrassment.

Unlike full dentures, partial dentures only replace a few missing teeth. Partials contain metal framework that snaps on to existing natural teeth. These prosthetics are used to fill in spaces of the mouth where patients are missing teeth so that their smiles are uniform looking and more functional for eating and speaking. This type of denture also helps provide structural support to neighboring teeth so that they do not collapse into empty tooth sockets.

Both full and partial dentures are constructed in dental laboratories from molds taken from your dentist. Your dentures are made just for you and will fit the size and shape of your mouth. To learn more about replacing missing teeth or to schedule a consultation with our compassionate team of dentists, call The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 today.