Dental Plate
A dental plate is a type of denture used to replace missing teeth. The more teeth that are missing, the more you need some type of dental plate so you can chew properly and speak clearly. Missing teeth also affect your confidence in your smile. Contact your local Albany County dentist for an exam and to discuss options for replacing your missing teeth that fit your needs and your budget.
Don’t lose a tooth unnecessarily! One or more missing teeth causes alignment issues that affect your bite and your speech. Available options to replace your missing teeth include a dental plate. A dental appliance, a plate artificially replaces one or more missing teeth. A type of denture, a dental plate comes in a variety of types, such as:
- Bridge
- Bridgework
- Partial dentures
- Dental stay plate
- Front tooth plate
Do You Need a Dental Plate?
If you’re missing teeth, you may be a good candidate for a dental plate. Where in your mouth you’re missing the teeth indicates what treatment or dental appliance would be best for you. The dental team at Albany County Dental Associates review your options with you. There are pros and cons to getting a dental plate, especially if you’re weighing a plate vs. an implant.
If you opt for a dental plate, your dentist designs a custom denture appliance for you. The type of plate you get depends on the issues you’re having with your teeth and where your missing teeth are located. Your family dentist who also practices cosmetic dentistry reviews your options with you and explains the process so you know what to expect.
If you opt for a dental plate, your dentist designs a custom denture appliance for you. The type of plate you get depends on the issues you’re having with your teeth and where your missing teeth are located. Your family dentist who also practices cosmetic dentistry reviews your options with you and explains the process so you know what to expect.
Types of Dental Plates
The different types of denture plates and bridges
The treatment to whiten your teeth is simple:
- 1
Traditional dental bridges. These bridges are comprised of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are held in place by dental crowns. Often, these bridges are removable.
- 2
Maryland bridges. As an alternative to traditional bridges, a Maryland bridge is made up of a single pontic that’s held in place by a metal or porcelain framework. Bonded to neighboring teeth, these bridges are not removable and are only as strong as the framework.
- 3
Cantilever bridges. Similar to traditional bridges, cantilever bridges rely on a single-side abutment tooth instead of supporting the pontics on both sides. These removeable bridges are more often used for a single missing tooth.
- 4
Implant-supported bridges. These bridges are typically used when you’re missing a row of teeth. An implant, instead of a crown or abutment tooth, holds the false teeth securely in place. These appliances are not removable.
- Partial dental plate. A partial dental plate is a removable denture that includes an appliance that fits snugly over your gums. The false teeth are attached to a pink plastic base that you must glue in place and clean every night.
- Dental stay plate. A dental stay plate is a temporary partial denture used while your gums and the supporting bone in a specific area of your mouth are recovering after a tooth extraction. A dental stay plate replaces one or more missing teeth and helps you chew and speak. It’s a temporary solution only.
- Front tooth plate. Also known as a flipper tooth, a front tooth plate replaces one or two front teeth. The false teeth are attached to a retainer that you slip into place every day.
Typically, most full dental insurance policies contain some kind of restorative coverage. If you have this type of dental insurance, you can expect your insurance carrier to cover about 50 percent of the cost of a dental plate, whether it’s a partial dental plate or a full denture plate. Contact your insurance provider for more detailed information.
