What are Partial Dentures?
When you lose more than one tooth, they are not always adjacent to each other, and therefore a dental bridge is not always the ideal solution. Still, replacing them is equally as important, as any pattern of tooth loss can have negative long-term consequences for your smile and your self-confidence.
A partial denture can rebuild your strong, beautiful smile by replacing your lost teeth and reestablishing support for your remaining teeth. Unlike a complete denture, a partial does not consist of an entire row of replacement teeth. Instead, a partial replaces only the teeth you’ve lost, and usually receives additional stability from a small, comfortable clasp attached to your teeth.
Is a partial denture better than a dental bridge?
The benefits of a partial denture over a dental bridge depend on your specific needs and preferences. In some cases, a partial denture is necessary, particularly if one or more healthy teeth remain between the teeth you’ve lost.
If you’ve only lost a single tooth, then a dental bridge may be preferable. For many patients, however, Dr. Petto Messina might suggest replacing a single lost tooth with a dental implant and crown, which offers a more lifelike solution than a bridge or partial.
Can a partial be supported by dental implants?
Even if you’ve lost more than one tooth, you may still qualify for an implant-supported dental prosthetic. Depending on how many teeth you’ve lost, your partial can be supported by one or more implant posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. In addition to rebuilding your smile and supporting the rest of your teeth, an implant-supported partial denture can also help preserve the strength and integrity of your jawbone, as well as your overall dental health.