When you have complex tooth loss, this could mean missing teeth spread out across your arch, too much to be addressed with a dental bridge. Which is why we can offer a partial denture, one custom-made for a lifelike appearance. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about our partial prosthetic.
The Causes of Complex Tooth Loss
We could lose several teeth in our smile due to advanced cases of decay or infection, or even an injury to the face or jaw. The most common cause is actually gum disease, or more accurately, the advanced stage known as periodontitis. When you have gaps in your smile, this could impact alignment as the surrounding teeth drift for position. Poor alignment not only changes your smile’s appearance, but increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. These missing teeth also upset bite balance, so the chances of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding) developing will increase as well. You could also have trouble eating your favorite foods, or even speaking with clarity. Which is why you should discuss tooth replacement to restore function, health, and beauty to your smile.
Designing Your Partial
To begin, we will need to assess the cause and extent of your tooth loss to decide which prosthetic is right for you. Our team then takes detailed digital images of the smile from several angles, combining them to create a 3D computer impression. In a dental lab, we use this in the design and fabrication of your partial denture. We will also use lifelike and double materials as well. The acrylic base will be made to look like gum tissue, and the ceramic teeth can absorb daily bite forces and be shaded to blend with the rest of the smile. These new teeth will fit perfectly in the gaps in your smile to provide a complete one again.
Securing Your New Teeth
Our team will then decide which option will be best to secure them. With the removable options, we will use metal clasps that attach to natural teeth and secure the prosthetic. These last about 5 to 10 years, and need replacement as the jaw ridge changes shape. We could also attach them to dental implants inserted into your jaw, which act as new roots. This prevents changes to your jawbone, so your new prosthetic can last for decades to come.
If you have any questions about treating tooth loss, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Rebuilding Your Smile?
We would like to help you find the right solution to your tooth loss! If you would like to learn more about replacing your missing teeth, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
