Have you ever done a puzzle that has a piece missing? It’s frustrating that after all of that work, there is still something missing from your masterpiece. Missing teeth are similar, in a way, to that missing puzzle piece. Your beautiful smile has a gap that draws attention, making it look incomplete. Multiple missing teeth are even worse, leaving large gaps that affect the way you eat and speak. Partial dentures are a way to restore your smile, filling in the gaps while using your remaining teeth for support. But what if you could have an even more secure solution that fits, functions, and looks like your natural teeth?
Here at Sonora Dentist, we offer partial dentures and implant-supported bridges, both of which replace multiple missing teeth. To learn which solution is best for your smile, book a consultation with us in Sonora, CA!
What Are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are traditional prosthetics that rely on your jaw and your remaining teeth for support. Unlike full dentures, partial dentures only replace some teeth in your smile, and are custom-crafted to fit around the rest of your natural teeth.
Using a metal framework, these dentures clasp onto the back of your natural teeth to support artificial teeth that fit in your smile. These restorations are designed to look natural, using a plastic gum base to cover the metal and blend the artificial teeth in with your natural smile.
Typically, partial dentures are removable. Just like a traditional denture, you can take these prosthetics out as you please. We recommend removing partial dentures after eating to rinse them off and to give your gums a break at night.
While you sleep, soak your partial dentures in water or in a denture-safe solution. Then, in the morning, rinse them off thoroughly and place them back in to start your day with a full smile.
What Are Implant-Supported Bridges?
An implant-supported bridge is similar to a partial denture in that it replaces multiple missing teeth. However, instead of using your remaining teeth for support, an implant bridge uses implantes dentales.
Dental implants are titanium posts that we place inside your jawbone, replacing the roots of your teeth. Over time, these implants will integrate with your jaw, forming a stable connection. Using this connection as a foundation, we anchor crown, bridge, and denture restorations to restore your smile.
En Sonora Dentist, utilizamos miniimplantes dentales, which are just as secure as traditional implants.
Implant-supported bridges replace multiple missing teeth in a row. Unlike a partial denture, which uses a metal framework and a bulky gum base, these restorations have a sleek design. They’re crafted to look like a row of natural teeth, called pontics, and bonded together to form a single unit.
Inside these pontics are housings, or openings that fit over your implants. Then, with mini dental implants placed along your jaw where your missing tooth roots would be, we restore your smile by cementing the dental bridge in place. This restoration is non-removable, providing a natural-looking and feeling solution to tooth loss.
Partial Dentures vs. Implant Bridges in Sonora, CA
While some circumstances favor partial dentures, most patients benefit more from implant bridges. Implant bridges come with significant advantages, such as:
- Better stability: Partial dentures fit in the contours of your mouth. But over time, they may lose that fit due to wear and tear. Loose dentures cause irritation and difficulty chewing, which implant-supported bridges help patients avoid. Because they are anchored in place, these restorations are incredibly stable and reliable.
- Less bone loss: After losing tooth roots, your jaw will begin to deteriorate gradually. As your jaw shrinks, the shape of your face may change, and your partial dentures will lose their fit. Fortunately, dental implants stop bone loss. With an implant-supported bridge in place, you can keep your jawbone healthy and restore your smile.
- More permanence: Partial dentures are removable, which is great for convenience when removing your restoration to clean it. But with removability comes additional maintenance and the possibility of losing or dropping your denture. Because we cement implant bridges in place, you never have to worry about losing your prosthetic. And to clean your bridge, treat it like natural teeth and use a water flosser to get underneath your restoration.
Ultimately, the right restoration for you depends on your specific case. During your consultation with us, we will assess your needs and preferences to find a solution that works for your smile.
Restore Your Smile With the Right Solution at Sonora Dentist
With multiple teeth missing, your smile feels incomplete. But with partial dentures or an implant-supported bridge, your smile can feel whole again! These restorations replace multiple missing teeth while working around your remaining teeth to look natural.
Book a consultation (free for dental implant inquiries) to learn which restoration is best for your needs.
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