Is your smile embarrassing you? What happens when you are missing one tooth or several teeth? You can replace as many as ten teeth with a bridge to fit next to the existing teeth. Bridges are secured to other teeth with crowns. Sometimes called a partial denture, bridges span the existing natural teeth.
At Pearlee Dental in Ottawa, we can fit a partial denture and improve your smile as well as make eating easier again. A gap in your teeth may affect your bite or the way in which your teeth come together.
What is a Partial Bridge?
The partial bridge or partial denture is a removable solution. It may consist or a plastic or metal base with the missing teeth attached to it. It may or may not have clips to keep it in place. Although they may replace several missing teeth, a partial may not replace the entire upper or lower set of teeth.
You must have some healthy remaining teeth. The partial is more than cosmetic; it may help you speak better as well as eat and chew better. It may also prevent a shift in the teeth, which may happen over time, if the gap is not filled.
Partial dentures are sometimes called overdentures. According to the Canadian Dental Association, they are the solution used when you have some natural teeth left.
Must You Remove a Partial?
Yes, this type of denture is not meant for wear around the clock. Removing them at night and cleaning them is the recommendation by dentists. Research in 2017 found that the removal and cleaning of a partial denture reduces the risk of cavities in nearby healthy teeth.
Although the task of removing and cleaning a partial may not appeal to some, they are a good solution if you have three or more missing teeth. A clasp may be used to keep it in place; it may be visible, if made of metal, in the front of your mouth.
Caring For Your Partial Denture
Plaque and tartar may accumulate, as with natural teeth. This plaque can cause bad breath, stains and gum issues. It can also spread to your natural teeth, causing cavities.
To clean it, remove the partial and hold it under running water to loosen and wash away any particles. Use a denture cleaner. Toothpaste and other substances, such as vinegar and bleach, may cause scratches and harm the surface of the denture. Gently brush the partial on all sides with a soft -bristle brush or a denture brush, being careful not to bend the clasps. Rinse with clean water before placing it back in your mouth.
Partial dentures can crack when dropped, so be sure to care for them over the sink filled with some water to cushion the fall if dropped.
Always remove the denture at night; this gives your mouth a chance to rest. Soak the partial in warm water with or without denture cleaner. When you are not wearing your dentures, always soak them in warm water to prevent warping or drying out. Do not use hot water for soaking.
Check for cracks in the denture every once in a while. If you find one, take the partial to the dentist for repair. Because your mouth is constantly changing, sometimes your denture will need adjusting; a visit to the dentist will ensure proper fit. If your partial is not fitting correctly, it can cause sores and discomfort.
A Fixed Denture is An Alternative Solution
Dental implants as well as a fixed bridge are alternate solutions. The dental bridge is surrounded by crowns on either side. Then the false tooth is made in the lab; it is then cemented in place. The adjacent teeth act like supports for the missing teeth.
Considerations for this solution are gum issues as well as cavities. Once it is cemented in place, the fixed partial can’t be removed for brushing and will be brushed along with your other teeth.
Dental Implants Can Anchor a Fixed Bridge
Implants can be multiple and can be the support for a fixed bridge or denture. They are made of titanium and are securely implanted into the jaw. An implant can also be used for a tooth that is missing. The crown on the implant may be tooth-colored to match the surrounding teeth.
Implanted teeth are very natural looking and mimic the look and feel of an original tooth. They can be used for replacement of one tooth, several teeth or a whole set of teeth.
Partials of the Future
Digital design is being used to overcome such problems that patients have faced when it comes to satisfaction. Esthetics as well as oral health are being considered. New developments and improvements in strength and flexibility are being developed, with new materials being used.
Computer-aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) are being used to design and make removable dentures as well as fixed and implant dentures. The future promises more design control, manufacturing flexibility and precision that is repeatable. It will be combined with the application of advanced materials that promise durability, elasticity and compatibility with the body. Better esthetics and lower costs could be the benefits.
Are you ready for a more beautiful smile and better chewing? If you think a partial denture may be of benefit to you, come in to our Baseline dental clinic in Ottawa. We can examine your mouth and advise you as to the best solution for your missing teeth. Contact us to arrange an appointment.
We’re conveniently located at 2948 Baseline Road. Our Nepean family dental clinic offers a range of services and easy to reach in the downtown area. We are a holistic dentist in Ontario that provides partials and much more.
