Our last blog focused on a solution for total tooth loss, in which you lose most or all of your natural teeth. But what if you’ve lost a number of teeth, but not enough to warrant a complete prosthetic, also known as a full denture? In these situations, your Astoria, NY, dentist may suggest creating a partial denture!
What Causes Missing Teeth?
You may lose one or more teeth to accidents or injuries, or possibly as a result of an untreated cavity causing an infection. However, the most common cause is actually gum disease. When the disease reaches the advanced stage, known as periodontitis, this could cause teeth to become lost as the tissues connecting the teeth and gums become severed. When you lose a number of your natural teeth, this could cause misalignment, jaw joint strain and bite imbalance, and lead to facial collapse as the jawbone loses mass and density once the body picks up on your missing teeth. Over time, these changes cause major problems for your overall quality of life.
The Creation of a Partial
We may prescribe a partial if you have more than one gap in your smile. The prosthetic itself will consist of an acrylic base that matches the appearance of gum tissue, and lifelike teeth crafted from materials such as ceramic. There will also be metal clasps. We craft the prosthetic based on detailed impressions and measurements we take of your smile, which enables us to provide a comfortable fit. We also use these details to help ensure your teeth look natural and reflect your unique facial structure.
Securing Your New Smile
For a removable option, the metal clasps will be attached to natural teeth and invisible when worn. Since the jaw ridge will change shape due to lost mass and density, the partial will need to be replaced every five to ten years on average. However! If we support them with dental implants instead, we don’t need clasps as they will be affixed to the implant posts inserted into the jawbone. This process helps prevent the loss of jawbone mass and density, so your new teeth can stay in place for decades, and possibly even a lifetime. If you have lost one or more of your teeth, or if you have concerns about possibly losing teeth due to gum disease, then please contact our team today. We want to help you enjoy optimal oral health!
Do You Have Questions About Partial Dentures?
We want to ensure you feel proud of your smile, so we’re here with solutions for minor and advanced cases of tooth loss. To learn more about how we address multiple missing teeth, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
