04 Aug Tooth Replacement Options: Complete or Partial Dentures
Patients who have experienced tooth loss have different tooth replacement options. The most suitable choice may be based on the number of teeth that you need to replace. If only a small number of teeth is missing, a partial denture may suffice. If you have lost all of your teeth, you will need to pursue complete dentures to restore your entire smile and maintain a full facial appearance.
Partial dentures can fill in a small gap, and they will attach to the surrounding teeth via metal clasps. Partial dentures can be removed for cleaning and eating as necessary, and your dentist can design the appliance to blend in with the rest of your teeth to make the prosthetic appear as lifelike as possible. The color of partial dentures cannot be adjusted with teeth whitening, so it’s important for the patient to pursue any aesthetic treatments of this type before getting fitted with the partial so that all of the teeth—biological and prosthetic—will match.
If none of your biological teeth can be salvaged, your dentist will recommend complete dentures. These appliances replicate an entire arch of teeth and also can be custom-designed to your preferred specifications. This tailored approach ensures that your dentures will be both comfortable and attractive.
Patients who are in need of complete dentures may be concerned that the appliances will be noticeably artificial, like the dentures of their grandparents’ day. However, the materials used in modern denture design are very similar in appearance to natural tooth enamel. Additionally, the custom fit gives the appliance a more realistic aesthetic as well.
You have a number of possibilities when it comes to replacing missing teeth, and the design of the appliance will depend largely on how many teeth you have lost. To get started on the path of restoring your smile, contact our office to schedule your initial consultation and learn which treatment will work best for you.