Partial to an Additional Tooth: Could I Add Another Tooth to My Partial Denture?
Posted on: 10 November 2017
Getting a partial denture with one or two teeth is a fast and inexpensive way to ensure your smile doesn't suffer in the absence of a tooth or two. However, according to statistics, adults between the ages of 20 to 64 have an average of 24.92 remaining teeth. That means that no matter what age you are, it is likely that you could lose at least one or more teeth in the future.
If you already have a partial denture and you lose another tooth, you may wish to replace that tooth by adding another false tooth to your existing partial. While that is possible, there are some questions that you need to answer before you can proceed.
What Material is the Denture Made Of?
This is the first factor you should consider. Partials can be made of several materials such as acrylic, acrylic and cast metal, or flexible nylon. Acrylic is the easiest partial to add an additional tooth to because the denture lab technician can simply add more acrylic to the denture and chemically bond the false tooth to this acrylic.
However, when it comes to adding a tooth to cast metal or nylon, the chemical bond between the false tooth and the material tends to be weak. Unless your partial is of the acrylic kind then, it is probably better to invest in a new partial denture. Otherwise, the new tooth could break away from the denture in the near future.
Does the Position Allow for an Additional Tooth?
The position of your lost tooth is important too. Is the lost tooth adjacent to a cast metal frame or is it next to an acrylic base? As mentioned earlier, acrylic creates a stronger bond. Moreover, if your partial serves as a replacement for several front teeth and you lose a back tooth, it may also not be feasible to add a tooth.
Are Your Other Teeth in Good Condition?
Lastly, you should evaluate your overall oral health in terms of the condition of your remaining natural teeth. You have lost one more tooth now but will the remaining teeth hold out for a few years or less than a few months? While any dentist will tell you that natural teeth are preferable to false teeth if in good condition, if your remaining teeth are broken, you should consider extracting them and investing in either a new partial denture or even a full denture.
Yes, it is a scary prospect, facing a future with no remaining natural teeth, but would you rather have strong teeth to eat, smile and speak with, or broken and decayed teeth?
It is possible to add teeth to a partial but first you should work out, with your dentist, whether that is the best option in both the short and long term.
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