A full set of dentures helps people with total tooth loss, or those missing a majority of their teeth, enjoy a full smile. But what if one of our Gary, IN, patients suffers from advanced tooth loss, but not enough to require a full prosthetic? In today’s blog, we’re looking at partial dentures and answering a few common questions about them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Partial Dentures

Question: When do you prescribe a set?

Answer: We first want to assess the cause and extent of your tooth loss. Once we understand the factors behind your missing teeth, we look at how many natural teeth you’ve lost. For those missing a majority of their smile, or all of their teeth, we suggest a full prosthetic. But if you’re missing several teeth spread out across your arch, but not enough to warrant a complete denture, that’s when we prescribe a partial.

Question: How do you create them?

Answer: Our team will need to take a series of measurements and detailed impressions of your smile. The images and information we gather enables us to design a custom-made denture, one created to fit comfortably and reflect your unique facial structure. The prosthetic will consist of the new teeth set into an acrylic base. Metal clasps in the partial will attach to the natural teeth, anchoring your new ones firmly in place.

Question: Do they look like real teeth?

Answer: Yes! First, the acrylic base we mentioned above is created to mimic the appearance of natural gum tissue. The teeth themselves will be custom-made from lifelike materials, such as ceramic. Not only will they look natural and blend with the rest of your smile seamlessly, but they also have the ability to absorb serious bite forces, allowing you to eat your favorite foods once again and enjoy a full and beautiful smile.

Question: Can I remove them?

Answer: Yes, they will be removable, and we will provide detailed instructions for removing and cleaning them, ensuring they last for many years to come and offer a natural looking tooth replacement. In addition to cleaning and maintaining your prosthetic, we will suggest routine care of your natural teeth as well, which helps prevent further tooth loss. We suggest brushing and flossing daily, a diet consisting of few sugary foods and drinks, and regular visits to our office for checkups and cleanings, so we can continue to monitor the health and strength of your smile (and your new partial).

Do You Need a Dental Prosthetic?

If you have gaps in your smile, then we may have a solution. To schedule an appointment with your dentist, contact Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, by calling 219-938-2637, or by emailing our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We also proudly serve the residents of Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding communities.