Your tooth tribe supports your smile with custom-fit partials
You deserve to take pride in your smile! At Semidey Dental, our kind, patient, and knowledgeable team can help you get there with a wide range of options to replace missing or failing teeth. At our Davie, Florida, office, Drs. Alex Semidey and Sara Tarte may complete your smile with everything from conventional partial dentures to the implant-supported “twist” on partial and complete dentures and bridges.
What are partial dentures?
A removable yet permanent solution for tooth loss, partial dentures are custom-designed as a functional and natural-looking way to replace several teeth. They also present a lower-cost alternative to bridges or implants for successfully restoring your smile. There are some trade-offs, though. You may find that bridges or implants provide better value over the long term due to their sustained durability and optimal esthetics. We are happy to discuss these and many other considerations with you.
How are “partials” designed?
Partial dentures are designed to snugly fit your mouth over the gaps where teeth used to be. This differs from complete or full dentures, which are designed to replace all the teeth in the upper and/or lower dental arch(es). A single tooth or many teeth can be replaced using a single appliance. We account for the appearance of the gums as well as characteristics such as tooth color and shape when planning your partial denture. That way, it can blend in with the surrounding dentition and tissues for a natural-looking result. Proper fit and ongoing visits to our office for monitoring and potential adjustments are essential for your long-term satisfaction, function, and comfort.
Why would I be a candidate for partials?
If you have remaining, healthy teeth and are looking for a cost-effective yet natural option, partial dentures may be appropriate for you. The biggest advantage is their cost; these dentures that attach to existing teeth can present dramatic initial cost savings when compared to implants (especially when you are replacing several teeth). When planned and made well by our team, partial dentures can serve as a comfortable and reliable form of tooth replacement.
Why should I potentially consider alternatives?
The key alternatives are dental bridges and implants, and they avoid many of the challenges associated with conventional partials. Notably, bone loss arises when teeth are not present to stabilize the jawbone. The bone that once held the tooth in place begins to shrink, which causes the shape of the face to change. You may appear prematurely “aged,” and this process can also negatively affect the fit of oral appliances such as dentures. For these reasons, partials and complete dentures must be refitted regularly to account for evolving structural and tissue changes in the jaw. Implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures, on the other hand, help to stabilize both the prosthetic teeth and the jawbone. They continue to provide stimulation to the supportive tissues to prevent bone loss and its destructive complications.
How do I care for partials?
Another consideration when exploring your options is maintenance. Partials are designed to be removed and must be cleaned each night, either with soaking or gentle washing. Toothbrushes and toothpaste cannot be used, as partial dentures are made out of materials like acrylic. Regardless of your choice, your tooth tribe at Semidey Dental is here for you. We set up our patients in Davie, FL, for success with their new teeth and provide plenty of helpful, tailored tips to ensure a seamless adjustment and the sustained function of their bridges, dentures, and implants. Call (954) 939-0996 to experience our blend of timeless care and the most timely technologies and treatments today.