Did you know that more than 178 million people in the U.S. are missing one or more teeth? If that describes your current status, you’re definitely not alone. There are easy ways to address the issue and one of those is by incorporating partial dentures. Here’s what you should know about this option.
What are partial dentures made from?
Partial dentures are typically made from plastic or metal and use your remaining teeth to anchor the device in your mouth. They represent an alternative for filling gaps in your teeth to costly implants or bridges. They offer the look of seamless teeth with a lower cost than a full set of dentures and offer the ability to remove them when you need to.
How are partial dentures made?
After a thorough checkup, your dentist will be able to determine if you’re a good candidate for partial dentures. To create them, they will use wax teeth and a denture base to measure the area that required the partial. These teeth will be adjusted until they fit the space perfectly and then the replica will be shipped to a manufacturer for production. You’ll likely have one more fitting with a few more minor adjustments before the partial dentures are ready for everyday wear.
How do you care for partial dentures
Caring for your partial dentures will ensure they last a long time and that they support your overall health and well being. You’ll need to wear them regularly so that you report any painful spots where your dentist needs to adjust them. You’ll also need to clean them regularly with an over-the-counter denture cleaner, and visit your dentist for frequent checkups to make sure the dentures remain in good shape.
Are they expensive
If you’re wondering if partial dentures are expensive, the answer is: that’s relative. Of course, they’re less expensive than a full set of dentures and considerably less expensive than implants. The number of teeth the dentures are replacing will ultimately determine the final cost. If you carry dental insurance, there might be benefits that you can use to reduce the cost even more.