Common Reasons Your Dentist Might Recommend Fitting a Partial Denture
Designed to replace one or more missing teeth in a patient's mouth, partial dentures are custom-made, removable prosthetics. These days, they are usually made from a combination of acrylic and metal materials. They help restore both the function and look of the affected area of the mouth. There are several reasons why a dentist might recommend fitting a partial denture as opposed to full dentures. Read on to find out more about some of the most common reasons for this professional recommendation.
Maintain Good Bite Alignment
One of the primary reasons dentists recommend partial dentures is to maintain proper bite alignment. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth may shift, causing changes in the bite and potentially leading to more significant dental issues such as temporomandibular joint disorder or bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding. By filling the gaps with a partial set of false teeth, the remaining teeth are supported, helping to maintain correct bite alignment and preventing further dental complications.
Improved Chewing Function
Missing teeth can significantly impact your ability to chew food effectively. This may lead to inadequate nutrition, as people tend to avoid certain foods due to difficulties in chewing. A set of partial custom dentures can replace these missing teeth, restoring the patient's ability to chew and ensuring that they can maintain a balanced and healthy diet. By providing a functional and stable chewing surface, partial molar dentures help patients enjoy a wider variety of foods without discomfort or concern.
Enhanced Speech
Missing teeth, particularly those in the front of the mouth, can affect a person's speech, making it difficult to pronounce certain words and sounds correctly. This can lead to a lack of confidence and self-consciousness when speaking. A partial denture, or even a set of full custom dentures if both the back and front teeth are affected, should enable the patient to regain clear and natural speech. With the restoration of their dental structure, patients can communicate more effectively and confidently in all social settings.
Restore Facial Aesthetics
The loss of one or more teeth can have a significant impact on a person's facial appearance, causing the cheeks and lips to sink inwards and creating a prematurely aged look. By supporting the facial muscles and tissues somewhat, partial dentures often help to restore the natural contours of the face. They can boost self-esteem and confidence, as patients feel more comfortable with their appearance since their missing teeth will be much less noticeable.
For more information, contact a local dental clinic, like Kurrajong Denture Clinic.
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