Partial dentures replace a few teeth instead of an entire set. Usually, no defined number of teeth is required to receive partial dentures. However, the existing natural teeth must be strategically placed in that there is a healthy tooth on each side of the hole you want to fill.
Dental Health Topics
A “partial” is a dental prosthetic that allows for the placement of a series of artificial teeth in an area where healthy teeth used to exist. They can be made from a variety of materials, and can contain as many teeth as are missing in either jaw.
A single removable partial denture can replace 1 tooth or almost all the teeth on a single arch.
In some cases adding an additional tooth can be a simple procedure undertaken in a dental lab, in others it may be more cost effective to have new partial dentures made. Whether or not your partial dentures are eligible to have a tooth added can best be determined by speaking with your dental prosthetist.
Yes, you can get partial dentures regardless of how many back teeth are missing. You would require one partial for each arch, but as long as some teeth remain for support, a partial would be a great solution!
Many patients who lose one or more back teeth think they don't need to replace them because they can't be seen, but replacing any missing tooth is essential to keep your smile whole and healthy. Dental implants, fixed bridges, and dentures are all tooth replacement options to repair your smile following tooth loss.
If you have partial dentures, the artificial teeth do not have a connection to your brain, which will make chewing difficult at first. Start out with soft foods like eggs, vegetables, fish and cereal before moving up to meats and harder foods.
The Cons of Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can increase the buildup of plaque around the abutment teeth leading to tooth decay and gum disease. The abutment teeth may experience trauma along with the gums due to the pressure and movement of the partial. The loss of an abutment tooth may require a new partial.
Partial dentures are removable and need removal before bed because they can put you at risk of conditions like pneumonia and increase your chances of dental health problems like gum inflammation, tongue and gum plaque, and other issues related to oral hygiene.
According to statistics, full dentures last anywhere between 5 and 10 years, while partials have a maximum longevity of 15 years. During this time frame, both your mouth and your dentures can undergo major changes, resulting in an improper fit and unappealing appearance.
Partials are a much better option than a complete denture to replace lost teeth in your lower jaw if some natural teeth can be saved. Most people have difficulty adapting to a removable complete lower denture. There is a break-in time to get used to having a partial in your mouth.
Denture adhesives, also known as denture adherents, are powders, wafers, strips or creams that are used to hold partial or full dentures in place. A large percentage of people who wear partial dentures use some form of denture adhesive. People usually opt to use denture adhesives for a variety of reasons.
Cast metal partial dentures are the most-used option when it comes to partials because they're strong and they're built to last many years. While some patients are concerned about the idea of a metal partial, the good news is that the rigid metal frame is covered by plastic that matches the color of your gums.
Because dentures rest on that gum ridge and are customized to fit its shape and size, dentures loosen as this happens, and for many patients, end up feeling too big for their mouths.
Partial dentures can make it easier to eat and talk, and they can also help preserve natural teeth. However, they require more care than full dentures and can sometimes be less comfortable.
Discomfort and pain from partials is most often caused by an ill-fitting partial denture. Ill-fitting partials can irritate the mouth, cause sore spots, and increase the risk of infections. ii While your partials may feel bulky or uncomfortable at first, they shouldn't be painful as you adjust.
If you are only missing one or two teeth, a bridge may be a better option for you. Partial dentures tend to be less expensive and are typically preferred if you are missing several teeth If you are at risk for more tooth loss, you may want to choose a partial denture, since it's a cheaper alternative.
If you want to know if your dentures will feel normal, the answer is yes. You may have recently gotten the teeth, or perhaps you are considering getting them. You might want to know what to expect. The good news is that today's prosthetics feel more natural than ever, and you can get accustomed to them quickly.
So, can you eat steak with partial dentures? Of course, you can! Just take it slowly and ensure you look after your new partial dentures. We want to ensure you can enjoy all of your favourite foods with your new partial dentures.
Hard foods: Chewing hard foods require your jaw and dentures to apply uneven pressure. This can dislodge or damage your dentures, so avoid nuts, popcorn, apples, raw carrot sticks and corn on the cob. Tough meats: Foods that require a lot of chewing place unnecessary stress on your dentures and gums.
Molars grow in at the back of your mouth and a full set of adult teeth should have 8 in total with 4 on the top and 4 on the bottom jaw. These teeth are your strongest and we rely on these teeth to grind our food so it's safe to swallow.
1.)
Each one plays an important role in chewing and grinding up food. Back teeth encourage an even bite, which reduces strain on the jaw and extra pressure on the front teeth. Over time, eating with a missing back molar can wear down the remaining teeth and cause them to chip or crack.
A dental bridge can also effectively replace a dead tooth. Bridges are usually made of metal alloys, gold, or porcelain, so they are strong and durable.