Partial dentures are removable and flexible and meant to replace some missing teeth. These dental plates are safe and comfortable to wear because they are made of biocompatible, thermoplastic nylon. Removable dentures help improve overall dental health and quality of life by supporting the jawbone and restoring patients’ normal chewing ability. Here are five issues that partial dentures can fix:
1. Gum Irritation
Tooth loss may occur due to gum disease, cavities, injury, or trauma. Partial dentures fill the gaps created by missing teeth so food particles do not get trapped. The accumulation of food particles and bacteria can lead to plaque buildup, which causes gingivitis or periodontal disease. Partials help protect the exposed gum, limiting the spread of bacteria. The biocompatibility of removable partials also helps prevent them from reacting with the gum’s tissue and causing irritations or ulcerations.
2. Teeth Shifting
Teeth adjacent to the gaps caused by missing teeth can gradually drift or shift to the available empty space on the jawbone. When this happens, misalignment occurs, causing other problems like bite errors and temporomandibular joint disorders. Misalignment may also make it challenging to remove trapped food particles through brushing or flossing. This creates a favorable environment for mouth bacteria to grow, contributing to cavities and gum disease.
Partials support the adjacent natural teeth from both sides, helping them maintain their correct positions. They also enable an even distribution of chewing pressure so the remaining natural teeth do not experience excessive wear or movement when eating. Stabilizing the remaining natural tooth helps reduce the risk of tooth loss or declined oral function.
3. Jaw Erosion
When teeth are lost, the jawbone underneath the gap can become reabsorbed by the body due to lack of stimulation. Shifting natural teeth and the resulting misalignment put stress on the jawbone, which can speed up the reabsorption process. Jawbone loss impacts the face’s appearance, making it look more sunken. It also increases the risk of jawbone fracture or causes frequent headaches.
The anchor of a partial denture is implanted in the bone, helping prevent jawbone erosion by stimulating the jawbone when chewing. Partial dentures also reduce jawbone erosion by allowing a uniform distribution of chewing pressure in the teeth and jawbone. Even bite forces help maintain the oral cavity’s structural integrity, leading to better jawbone support. This helps reduce jaw and facial pain when eating or speaking.
4. Difficulty Speaking
Losing upper front teeth can make pronouncing sounds like f, v, and th challenging. The lips and the tongue fail to press against the remaining natural teeth, leading to lisping and slurring. Gaps in teeth also allow air to escape when speaking, causing hissing or whistling sounds. Partial dentures can fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, minimizing the air that escapes when speaking. They also contribute to the stability and positioning of lips and tongue when speaking, helping patients maintain speech clarity.
5. Trouble Eating
Tooth loss can make it difficult to chew certain foods, such as crunchy, hard, or fibrous foods. Removing many foods from the diet in favor of softer, easier-to-chew foods may cause nutrient deficiencies. Ineffective chewing also forces the digestive system to break down larger pieces of food, leading to discomfort. Partials help restore patients’ ability to chew, enabling them to maintain healthy eating habits.
Buy Partial Dentures Today
Partial dentures help improve patients’ overall health by supporting the jawbone, reducing plaque buildup, and enabling a well-rounded diet. These dental prosthetics also minimize the risk of periodontitis and cavities, helping to safeguard the remaining natural teeth. Call a reputable dental lab today for customized, high-quality, durable full or partial dentures.