When people lose teeth, they have problems, and they have choices to make. In reality, people always have more than one choice when it comes to cosmetic teeth restorations-that is, if they do something about their missing teeth quickly enough.
Partial dentures are one of many options. Partial dentures are held in the mouth by clasps or special attachments. Depending on the type of partial a person gets, his or her supporting teeth will only need minimal preparation.
One big advantage to partial dentures, other than their relatively low cost, is their removability. This makes them easier to clean and take out at bedtime. Nevertheless, there are also some problems that go along with partial dentures.
People need to talk to their dentist before making any big decision about dental replacements for missing teeth. The dentist can help guide them in making the right choices for alternatives to partial dentures, which include the following options:
-Dental Bridges
-Dental Implants
-Delayed Treatment
Delayed Treatment
Practically every patient procrastinates to some extent about tooth replacement. This is understandable. Even cheaper types of partial dentures cost money. Money can be hard to come by at times, and people often ask us if it will hurt them to wait just a bit longer until they can afford to pay for dental care.
We tell them it will most definitely hurt them both medically and financially in the long run.
This is due to the fact that missing teeth require an immediate response on the part of the patient. You see, all teeth work in relationship to one another. When even so much as one tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth start to shift. This will cause a
variety of dental problems, including bite and alignment problems.
Also, the jawbone begins to shrink now that tooth roots are gone. The longer the person waits, the more jaw mass they lose, and the more difficult and more complicated cosmetic dental treatment becomes.
It goes without saying that it also becomes more expensive.
If treatment is delayed, missing teeth will alter cheek and lip muscles, and the person's face starts to look old before its time. Speaking and eating properly also become strained and difficult. All of this adds up to much larger dental costs when the person finally feels driven to act.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are often preferred over partial dentures. A dental bridge acts more like natural teeth. It is fixes in the mouth and is stable and secure. Like dentures, a bridge replaces missing teeth with false teeth. However, the false teeth it uses are much stronger and are held in place by anchors placed over neighboring teeth.
Dentists must be careful not to remove too much surface mass from neighboring teeth because they do not want to make otherwise healthy teeth subject to tooth decay. Otherwise, bridges are a better and more resilient to partial dentures any day of the week.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the best alternative to partial dentures. Not only are they the strongest, but they also prevent bone loss. Dental implants go into the jawbone like tooth roots and therefore are constantly stimulating the jaw with vibrations that keeps it vibrant and healthy.
They cost more, but the long-term health benefits pay for the investment over time by reducing the need for continual dental treatment and by creating a fully functional and truly beautiful smile.
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