What are Some Possible Alternatives to Partial Dentures?

Cosmetic dentistry is at the forefront of Dr. Munira’s practice in San Jose. Dentures are a common consideration for patients who are looking to restore their smile after the loss of teeth. While full dentures are used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, partial dentures are used to replace one or more teeth within an arch. Natural teeth can be lost for a variety of reasons, including trauma, disease, or extraction. No matter how a patient lost their natural teeth, partial dentures are an affordable way to replace teeth within the smile to repair their smile and chewing efficiency.

However, partial dentures aren’t the only way a patient can address missing teeth. There are two other alternatives available in cosmetic dentistry: dental implants and dental bridges.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a restoration made from porcelain that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of two dental crowns and pontics that are fused together. The crowns are used to cap the surrounding teeth around the space left behind, and the pontics rest in place where the natural teeth once resided. Pontiacs are essentially false teeth made to look real within the patient’s smile. Bridges require that some tooth structure be removed from the adjacent teeth for the placement of the bridge, but this is necessary in order to hold the pontics in place.

Dental Implants

Dr. Munira can surgically implant a biocompatible metal post into the patient’s jawbone, and can then top the implant with a dental crown. This replaces a missing tooth, permanently. Dental implants look and function as natural teeth and are long-lasting restorations. While dental implants are often the most expensive of the three options, they are also one of the longest lasting solutions to missing teeth.Dr. Munira can discuss with patients who are missing teeth the available cosmetic procedures. Whether a patient chooses dental implants, dental bridges, or partial dentures, they will be able to consult with a friendly dentist to determine the best course of action for restoring their original smile.