Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth in Thibodaux, LA
If you have lost one or more teeth and are interested in learning about your tooth restoration options, Dr. Palmer and the team at Acadia Family Dentistry in Thibodaux, LA are here to walk through your choices and answer your questions. For patients who are seeking a functional and affordable option to replace missing teeth, partial dentures can be a great choice!
How partial dentures work
Most people are familiar with full dentures, which a removable way to replace an entire arch of teeth. Partial dentures are similar but are designed for patients who are missing some teeth but not the full arch. Partial dentures are:
- Custom-made for a perfect fit
- Removable for easy cleaning and care
- Economical
- Natural-looking to blend in seamlessly with your smile
- Functional, helping you to eat and speak normally again
There are several different ways that partial dentures can be made, but in general, partial dentures consist of the following components:
- A gum-colored base that is sturdy and supports the denture (typically made from either metal or polymer)
- False teeth that are custom designed to match your smile for a natural appearance
The denture is typically kept in place in your mouth with either clasps or precision attachments. Depending on the type of partial dentures you choose, we may need to place crowns on your neighboring teeth to support the attachments.
To create your partial dentures, we first take impressions of your mouth. These are used to fabricate the denture in a laboratory so that it has the optimal fit and function. Then, we will have you try on your denture when it’s ready and adjust it as needed for the perfect fit. If you have had dental extractions, we typically recommend waiting until your tissues and gums have healed because they will change shape as the inflammation goes down. It’s also important to understand that your mouth will naturally undergo changes over time and your dentures might need periodic adjustments if they become loose or no longer fit well.
Real Patient Results at Acadia Family Dentistry
Doemeca Domangue had her #7 tooth extracted and a partial denture placed on the same day.
Learn whether partial dentures are right for you
Partial dentures are a great choice for patients who are seeking a cost-effective tooth replacement option and do not want to undergo dental surgery, which is required for dental implants. If you are interested in learning more about partial dentures and other tooth replacement choices, call Acadia Family Dentistry today at (985) 303-2920.
Removable partial dentures at Acadia Family Dentistry
What is a removable partial denture?
A removable partial denture is an appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth. It is not cemented in the mouth so that it can be taken out.
What are the materials used to create removable partial dentures?
We use two different materials at Acadia Family Dentistry. We use a metal alloy framework for strength, and the teeth are made out of colored acrylic or porcelain.
We also make Valplast partials that have no metal. The teeth are attached to a pink acrylic to imitate gums for a natural effect in both of these.
What are the risks and benefits of removable partial dentures?
Removable partial dentures provide important support to the facial structure, such as the lips. It also helps to maintain a more youthful appearance.
One of the risks of removable partial dentures is not having the same chewing efficiency as natural teeth. The ability to chew food depends on the stability and the retention of the denture.
The alternatives to removable partial dentures are dental bridges, implants, or a complete denture as needed.
Make an appointment with us today and get your smile completed with removable partial dentures.