Partial Dentures in Slidell, LA

Restore Your Smile by Replacing Missing Teeth With Partial Dentures and Dr. Daigle

A smile is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect with others, but when missing teeth become a source of embarrassment or discomfort, it can be difficult to confidently share that smile. Luckily, our dental professionals offer various restorative solutions to help restore missing teeth and improve the overall appearance and function of the mouth. There are a variety of partial denture options available, and it is important to consult with a dental professional to choose the best one.

Our Slidell dentist, Dr. Daigle, offers removable partial dentures that are comfortable, durable, and realistic-looking, making them a popular choice for people looking to improve their smile and regain their confidence. Call (985) 214-2844 to learn more about how our dental office near Mandeville, Picayune, and Chalmette can help!

What Are the Types of Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of a base made of either acrylic or metal, which is colored to match the patient’s gums, and replacement teeth attached to the base. Healthy abutment teeth play a critical role in providing support and stability for partial dentures, ensuring effective retention and preventing rotation during use. Precision attachments can connect to existing teeth or dental implants, allowing for customizations such as crowns that fit over the existing teeth, which may affect the overall cost. Partial removable dentures can be attached to the remaining teeth using clasps, which help to keep the denture in place.

Types of Partial Dentures in Slidell, LA

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, partial dentures offer a versatile and effective solution. There are several types of partial dentures available, each designed to meet different needs and preferences:

• Cast Metal Partial Denture: Known for its strength and durability, the cast metal partial denture features a metal framework that provides robust support for the denture teeth. This type of partial denture is ideal for patients needing to replace multiple teeth and seeking a long-lasting solution.
• Acrylic Partial Denture: Made with a plastic base, the acrylic partial denture is a more affordable option compared to the cast metal partial. It’s a great choice for patients who need to replace a few teeth and are looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on aesthetics.
• Flexible Partial Denture: Constructed from a flexible plastic material, this type of partial denture offers a comfortable fit, especially for patients with sensitive gums. The flexibility of the material allows for a more natural feel and appearance, making it a popular choice for those replacing a few teeth.
• Removable Partial Denture: Designed for easy removal and daily cleaning, the removable partial denture is perfect for patients who need to replace multiple teeth and prefer a denture that is simple to maintain. This type of partial denture ensures that oral hygiene is easily managed, contributing to the overall health of the remaining teeth and gums.

Each type of partial denture has its own set of advantages, making it important to consult with a dental professional in Slidell to determine the best partial denture option for your specific needs.

Benefits of Partial Dentures

Partial dentures offer patients several benefits, including:

• Aesthetics: Removable partial dentures help restore a more natural-looking smile by replacing missing teeth. It is important to consult with a dental team for specialized approaches involving false teeth.
• Functionality: Partial dentures improve the individual’s ability to chew food properly, aiding digestion and nutritional absorption. They also restore the ability to speak more clearly, especially if the missing teeth previously affected pronunciation. Maintaining healthy teeth is crucial when considering partial dentures, as they can influence the choice and effectiveness of the dentures.
• Facial Support: Teeth provide support to the facial muscles. Missing teeth can lead to sagging of the facial muscles, making an individual appear older. A removable partial denture provides necessary support, maintaining the natural shape of the face.
• Affordable: In many cases, partial dentures can be more affordable than other tooth replacement options like dental implants or fixed bridges.

Alternatives to Partial Dentures

While partial dentures are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, there are several other alternatives to consider. Each option has its own benefits and may be more suitable depending on individual circumstances:

• Dental Implants: Dental implants offer a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. They involve inserting a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a root for the replacement tooth. Dental implants provide a natural look and feel, and they help maintain jawbone density, making them an excellent long-term option.
• Fixed Bridges: Fixed bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth (or teeth) to the surrounding natural teeth. This type of dental restoration is a good choice for patients who prefer a non-removable option that offers stability and a natural appearance.
• Full Dentures: For patients who have lost all of their teeth in the upper or lower jaw, full dentures are a comprehensive solution. These dentures replace all the teeth in a dental arch, restoring both function and aesthetics. Full dentures are removable, making them easy to clean and maintain.
• Crowns: Crowns are used to cover and protect a damaged or decayed tooth. They are custom-made to fit over the existing tooth, providing strength and improving appearance. Crowns are a suitable option for patients who need to repair a single tooth rather than replace multiple missing teeth.

Choosing the best alternative to partial dentures depends on various factors, including the number of missing teeth, the condition of the remaining teeth, and personal preferences. Consulting with a dentist is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs.

The Acrylic Partial Denture Process

Receiving partial dentures is a non-invasive process. You can expect the following:

1. Consultation and Exam: You’ll first start with an initial consultation and exam with our Slidell dentist. He’ll evaluate your oral health to determine if partial dentures suit your needs. We may also take dental X-rays or impressions of your teeth to create a model of your mouth.
2. Preparation: If necessary, we may need to prepare your remaining teeth for partial dentures. This may include reshaping them or filling in cavities. Having enough healthy teeth remaining is crucial to support the partial denture effectively.
3. Trial Fitting: Our dentist will create trial dentures made of wax or plastic. This allows you to see how the denture will fit and feel in your mouth. Adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable fit if needed.
4. Final Fitting: Your finalized denture will be created after the trial one is approved. It may take a few weeks for the partial denture to be made. When it’s ready, our dentist will fit the dentures into your mouth, making any final adjustments.
5. Follow-Up: Dr. Daigle will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure that your dentures are fitting right and not causing you any problems.

How to Care for Partial Dentures

Proper care not only keeps your partial dentures looking and feeling fresh but also supports overall oral health. We recommend you do the following:

• Handle With Care: Always hold your dentures gently to avoid dropping them. Using a folded towel or basin filled with water while cleaning can act as a cushion in case they slip.
• Rinse After Eating: After meals, remove and rinse the dentures to get rid of any food particles.
• Brush Daily: Use a soft denture brush to clean every surface of the denture daily. Avoid using regular toothpaste as it might be too abrasive.
• Use a Denture Cleaner: Opt for non-abrasive denture cleaners. Avoid using bleach-containing products as they can weaken the dentures and alter their color. Always ensure that the product you choose is compatible with your type of denture.
• Keep Them Moist: Most removable partial dentures need moisture to maintain their shape. When not in use, place them in a denture-soaking solution or plain water.
• Regular Dental Visits: Just like your natural teeth, dentures require professional maintenance. Visit our dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning and to check for any adjustments or repairs.

Partial Dentures Candidacy

Factors to consider when determining candidacy for partial dentures include:

• Overall oral health: Candidates for partial dentures should have good oral health and healthy gums. If gum disease or other oral health issues are present, they should be addressed before considering partial denture treatment.
• Number of missing teeth: Partial dentures are designed to replace one or more missing teeth. If a person has lost a significant number of teeth, full dentures or implant-supported dentures may be a better option.
• Remaining teeth: There must be enough healthy remaining teeth to support the partial denture. The remaining teeth must also be strong enough to withstand the pressure of the dental restoration.
• Jawbone density: The jawbone must have sufficient density to support the partial denture. If the jawbone has deteriorated significantly, bone grafting or other procedures may be necessary before partial dentures can be considered.
• Patient’s ability to maintain oral hygiene: Partial dentures require proper cleaning and maintenance to prevent decay and gum disease. Patients must be able to maintain good oral hygiene practices to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of their partial dentures.

Partial dentures are an excellent option to replace missing teeth, restoring both oral function and aesthetics.

To see if partial dentures are right for your oral health needs, contact our Slidell dentist today at (985) 214-2844 to schedule a consultation.

Partial Denture Cost

While costs vary from patient to patient, the cost of partial dentures can generally be between $1,000 to $2,000. The following factors will influence how much your partial dentures will cost:

• Location: For example, dental care might be more expensive in urban areas compared to rural ones.
• Material: There are different types of materials used for partial dentures such as acrylic, metal, flexible (like Valplast), or a combination. Metal frameworks are usually more expensive than acrylic ones.
• Dentist’s Experience and Reputation: A well-known dentist with a lot of experience may charge more than someone just starting.
• Complexity of the Case: If the case is more complex and requires more adjustments or additional procedures, the cost may increase.
• Additional Treatments: Sometimes additional treatments or procedures, like tooth extractions or fillings, are needed in conjunction with the partial denture. This can add to the total cost.
• Dental Insurance: If you have dental insurance, it may cover some or all of the cost of partial dentures. Check with your provider for details.

It’s important to consider the financial implications of different partial denture options and consult with a dental professional to explore these options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Daigle

At Off The Trace Dental in Slidell, LA, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. If you’re missing one or several teeth, our team can provide you with custom-made partial dentures that fit comfortably and look natural. 

Our experienced dentist and staff will work closely with you to ensure that your partial dentures meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Contact our Slidell dentist today at (985) 214-2844 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how partial dentures can improve your oral health and quality of life. We also proudly serve patients near Mandeville, Picayune, and Chalmette.