Dental plates are a great solution when your natural teeth need to be extracted. Having missing teeth can cause problems such as damaged self-confidence, problems chewing food and difficulties with speech. However, if you are fitted with dental plates, you will continue to enjoy a great looking smile and will still be able to chew your food and speak clearly. Below is a brief guide to dental plates and how they are fitted.

Complete Dental Plates

If your dentist needs to extract all your teeth from both your lower and upper jaw, you will require a complete dental plate. If you have never had a dental plate fitted before, your dentist will ask you to wait until the extraction wounds on your gum have healed before they fit your new dental plate. This is because any swelling of the gums could distort the shape of your dental plate and cause problems later. If you have been fitted with an existing dental plate, your dentist should be able to use this to form a new mould.

Partial Dental Plates

If you have only had a few teeth which have been removed or are missing, your dentist may recommend a partial dental plate. A partial dental plate is designed to match and fit around your remaining teeth in order to prove a great look while also supporting your dental health. A partial dental will be attached to your remaining teeth using metallic clasps.  Your dentist will measure your mouth to work out with size and type of metal clasp you require. This makes partial dentures easy to remove when needed, which means they can be easily removed and cleaned.

Dental Plates Fittings

Your dentist will take impressions of your oral cavity. They will use this impression to build a temporary dental plate. Once they have fitted this temporary dental plate, your dentist will ask you to wear it for a trial period. They will ask you how you have found wearing the dental plate and will examine your mouth for signs of damage. They will use this information to design a permanent plate, making any necessary adjustments. They will also be able to make the permanent plates which are the correct shape and colour for your needs.

If you have any questions or concerns about dental plates, you should book an appointment with your dentist who will be able to offer advice and treatment.