Your back teeth are designed for crushing and grinding tough foods, and without them you could experience difficulties in chewing your food properly. Deciding to replace these missing teeth would help restore regular eating habits and talking. Partial dentures are smaller and less cumbersome than full dentures — making them perfect for replacing a few teeth anywhere in your mouth, even your back molars.
Are Partial Dentures Right for Me?
Your dentist will decide whether you’re a suitable candidate for partial dentures, but some basic criteria include:
- You are missing multiple molars
- The rest of your teeth and mouth are healthy
- You are experiencing bone loss in your jaw due to the loss of these molars
What Type of Denture Will Be Used?
There are two common types of dentures that work well for back teeth replacement, each with their own pros and cons. Your dentist may recommend one type of partial dentures over the other depending on where in your mouth you need them, since the specificities of your upper back teeth and lower back teeth may require different solutions.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Removable |
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| Fixed (Implants) |
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Removable Partial Dentures
These are the most common type of partial dentures, used about anywhere in your mouth. They can be made from various materials, from soft plastic to a small amount of metal, like a retainer. They’re a cost-effective solution and can quickly restore your dental function and smile’s appearance. Like all removable dentures, removable partial dentures require special cleaning and may take a bit of an adjustment period to get used to.
What is the Process?
While the procedures necessary for fabricating partials are similar, you may need additional care depending on the condition of your remaining teeth and overall oral health, your dentist may recommend following steps to get a removable partial to replace your back dentures:
- First, you will have an initial consultation appointment, where your dentist will evaluate your needs and provide suggestions
- Then, your dentist will take measurements and make an impression of your mouth, which will be sent to a lab to make your dentures. Sometimes this can be done during your initial consultation, and other times you may need to come back. At Affordable Dentures and Implants, many of our practices offer same-day dentures solutions, where our in-house production means you can walk out that day with your dentures.
- You will want to check in regularly with your dentist to make sure your partial dentures are comfortable. With flexible dentures, the regular movement of your mouth can change the shape of your dentures — or your mouth may change shape as you age. For that reason, most people get an adjustment every few months, or a reline if the partial becomes uncomfortably loose. Your dentures should improve your life, not detract, so reach out to your dentist if you start experiencing pain or discomfort.
- And, of course, you will want to clean your dentures for maximum performance and longevity! Like your natural teeth, your partials can benefit from a good cleaning.
Fixed Partial Dentures
For those looking for a more permanent solution, these partial dentures are permanently attached to your jawbone with dental implants. While this option can be more expensive and involves a surgical procedure, fixed partial dentures integrate much more naturally into your daily routine. They will perform just like natural teeth, and the implants will also stimulate bone growth and reduce bone loss in your jaw, just like the natural roots of your teeth.
Process for Partial Denture Implants
If you are getting fixed partial dentures, your dentist will still take an initial consultation appointment and measurements of your mouth, but you will need to return to the practice for the surgery to put the implants in place.
From there, snap-in dentures or individual crowns will be created to match your existing teeth and replace your missing ones. Affordable Dentures and Implants, snap-ins can sometimes be created in one day in most cases.
You Deserve to Love Your Smile!
While they may be hidden from your visible smile, your molars are a key component of your overall bite and serve crucial functions in speech — affecting your day-to-day life and confidence. When you choose to replace your missing back teeth, you will restore the full function of your teeth and improve your quality of life.
Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment with your local dental practice to speak with a specialist who can customize a tooth replacement solution for you.