Restore Your Smile With Partial Dentures
A smile is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect with others, but when missing teeth become a source of embarrassment or discomfort, it can be difficult to share that smile with confidence. Luckily, modern dentistry offers a range of solutions, such as dentures, to help restore missing teeth and improve the overall appearance and function of the mouth.
Our Wasilla dentist, Dr. Dawson, offers partial dentures that are comfortable, durable, and realistic-looking, making them a popular choice for people looking to improve their smile and regain their confidence. Contact our dental office today at (907) 373-2440 to learn more.
What Are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of a base made of either acrylic or metal, which is colored to match the patient’s gums, and replacement teeth attached to the base. Partial dentures can be attached to the remaining teeth using clasps, which help to keep the denture in place.
Benefits of Partial Dentures
Partial dentures offer patients several benefits, including:
- Aesthetic Appeal
- Functionality
- Prevent Further Dental Issues
- Facial Structure
- Affordable
The Partial Denture Process
Receiving partial dentures is a non-invasive process. You can expect the following:
- Consultation and Exam: You’ll first start with an initial consultation and exam with our Wasilla dentist. He’ll evaluate your oral health to determine if partial dentures are best suited for your needs. We may also take dental X-rays or impressions of your teeth to create a model of your mouth.
- Preparation: If necessary, we may need to prepare your remaining teeth for partial dentures. This may include reshaping them or filling in cavities.
- Trial Fitting: Our dentist will create trial dentures made of wax or plastic. This allows you to see how the denture will fit and feel in your mouth. Adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable fit if needed.
- Final Fitting: Your finalized denture will be created after the trial one is approved. It may take a few weeks for the partial denture to be made. When it’s ready, our dentist will fit the dentures into your mouth, making any final adjustments.
- Follow-Up: Dr. Dawson will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure that your dentures are fitting right and not causing you any problems.
How to Care for Partial Dentures
Proper care not only keeps your partial dentures looking and feeling fresh but also supports overall oral health. We recommend you do the following:
- Handle With Care: Always hold your dentures gently to avoid dropping them. Using a folded towel or basin filled with water while cleaning can act as a cushion in case they slip.
- Rinse After Eating: After meals, remove and rinse the dentures to get rid of any food particles.
- Brush Daily: Use a soft denture brush to clean every surface of the denture daily. Avoid using regular toothpaste as it might be too abrasive.
- Use a Denture Cleaner: Opt for non-abrasive denture cleaners. Avoid using bleach-containing products as they can weaken the dentures and alter their color. Always ensure that the product you choose is compatible with your type of denture.
- Keep Them Moist: Most removable partial dentures need moisture to maintain their shape. When not in use, place them in a denture-soaking solution or plain water.
- Regular Dental Visits: Just like your natural teeth, dentures require professional maintenance. Visit our dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning and to check for any adjustments or repairs.
Partial Dentures Candidacy
Factors to consider when determining candidacy for partial dentures include:
- Overall oral health: Candidates for partial dentures should have good oral health and healthy gums. If gum disease or other oral health issues are present, they should be addressed before considering partial denture treatment.
- Number of missing teeth: Partial dentures are designed to replace one or more missing teeth. If a person has lost a significant number of teeth, complete dentures or implant-supported dentures may be a better option.
- Jawbone density: The jawbone must have sufficient density to support the partial denture. If the jawbone has deteriorated significantly, bone grafting or other procedures may be necessary before partial dentures can be considered.
- Patient’s ability to maintain oral hygiene: Partial dentures require proper cleaning and maintenance to prevent decay and gum disease. Patients must be able to maintain good oral hygiene practices to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of their partial dentures.
To see if partial dentures are right for your oral health needs, contact our Wasilla dentist today at (907) 373-2440 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, partial dentures can last for 5 to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of your partial dentures will depend on several factors, including the quality of the materials used, how well you care for them, and how much wear and tear they undergo.
It may take some time to get used to speaking with partial dentures, but most people adjust quickly and without any problems. You may notice some minor changes in your speech initially, such as a slight lisp, but these should improve with time and practice.
Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Dawson
At Northwind Dental in Wasilla, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. If you’re missing one or several teeth, our team can provide you with custom-made partial dentures that fit comfortably and look natural.
Our experienced dentist and staff will work closely with you to ensure that your partial dentures meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Contact us today at (907) 373-2440 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how partial dentures can improve your oral health and quality of life.