Partial dentures can be a great fix for missing teeth, but what about if you’re only missing one tooth? As an experienced denture prosthetist, we’re here to make sure you’re correctly informed.
Do I Need to Replace a Missing Tooth At All?
It is recommended to replace any missing teeth — even just one — as soon as possible. This is because missing teeth can cause a number of problems, such as shifting of the remaining teeth, difficulty with chewing and speaking, and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. You may also feel self-conscious about talking or smiling if your missing tooth is in a prominent or obvious position.
But Can I Have a Denture for One Tooth Only?
Yes, you can! This is known as a partial denture. It’s custom made to fit the gap left by your missing tooth (or teeth as the case may be). Your new partial denture is typically anchored in place by the surrounding natural teeth. It will also be designed to blend in with your existing teeth, so people will hardly be able to tell it isn’t the real thing. If you need partial dentures for your front teeth, we’re sure this will come as a relief! Your partial denture will likely also be removable. This allows you to thoroughly clean around your remaining teeth and can keep the gums healthy too. It may take some practice to get used to taking out and replacing your removable partial denture, but your prosthetist can help you get the hang of it.
Ultimately, partial dentures are a cost-effective option for replacing a single missing tooth in order to help prevent the remaining teeth from shifting around and causing alignment issues and other dental problems. Of course, if you have more than a few teeth missing, a partial denture may not be the best solution. This is because it may not provide enough stability for your teeth. In those cases, options like bridges or dental implants may be more suitable.
Similarly, partial dentures can put some pressure on the anchor teeth, which are the natural teeth that the denture relies on for support. Over time, this pressure can cause damage to the anchor teeth, such as tooth decay and gum disease, and even require these teeth to be extracted. That’s why it’s important to practice good oral hygiene and to have regular dental checkups. Additionally, it’s important to keep the partial denture in good condition, and to have it adjusted or refitted if it becomes loose or uncomfortable.
But What If a Partial Denture Isn’t Right for You?
If you’re concerned about the long-term effects of a partial denture on your anchor teeth or don’t think a partial denture will be a good fit for you, there are other options to replace your missing tooth. These include dental bridges and dental implants. However, these options are not removable, may take more time to install and may cost more. It’s important that you discuss with your dentist what is right for you and your teeth.
Ready to Get Your Partial Denture & Start Smiling Again?
Partial dentures can be a convenient and effective solution for replacing a missing tooth or two. Even if you don’t think a partial denture is right for you, it’s important to replace the tooth in some way, regardless of what dental treatment you choose. If you’d like to learn more about your partial denture options, make an appointment to see the friendly team at Direct Denture Care today!
