Pediatric Partials: How Your Child’s Dentist Restores Incomplete Smiles in Dallas
Young children are often very active, which can result in accidents that knock out teeth. When this happens, your pediatric dentist may recommend what’s known as pediatric partials or a “pedi-partial.” A pedi-partial, short for pediatric partial, describes a cosmetic prosthetic that replaces lost teeth in toddlers and young children between the ages of two and eight. They look just like real teeth. They are custom-fitted to fit your child’s mouth and anatomy, replacing primary teeth until permanent teeth come in. Traditional adult solutions, like dental implants, don’t work for young children whose permanent teeth have yet to erupt.
Reasons Your Child May Need a Pedi-Partial
- Playground injuries
- Tooth decay
- Dental infections
The Benefits of Pediatric Partials
These temporary appliances do more than just hold space. Pedi-partials:
- Restore confidence
- Guide speech development
- Help with chewing
- Maintain space and keep teeth from shifting
- Prevent dental problems from developing
Missing teeth can make children embarrassed of their smile or feel self-conscious in social situations. A pedi-partial can make them more confident and self-assured.
Missing teeth, especially front teeth, can hinder their ability to form sounds properly. A dental prosthetic allows their tongue to form sounds the way they are meant to be pronounced.
Chewing can be difficult when teeth are missing, and may lead to the child favoring one side or not chewing their food enough. A pedi-partial allows children to use their teeth to chew thoroughly.
Pedi-partials act as space maintainers so that teeth do not shift into the empty space. This can prevent the need for orthodontics to rectify shifting later.
When there are large spaces where teeth are missing, food particles and plaque can become trapped and cause dental problems. By filling the space, we prevent dental problems from developing.
Types of Pedi-Partials
These dental appliances can be fixed in place or removable, depending on the age and level of responsibility the child can adhere to. Removable partials are not recommended for very young children, as they pose a choking hazard and can be easily lost when removed. Fixed partials are held in place with dental cement. They can act as space maintainers as well. Your dentist will discuss your options with you so that the best fit for your child is chosen.
Caring for Pedi-Partials
Cleaning pedi-partials is essential. Plaque and food debris can build up, irritating the gums and leading to gingivitis or cavities in the surrounding teeth. Depending on the age of your child, you should brush for them twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, or supervise them closely while they do so. Most children with pedi-partials would benefit from their parents brushing for them, as the manual dexterity needed to brush independently doesn’t develop until age seven or eight.
Pay attention to the areas around the appliance when brushing and flossing. At first, there may be some bleeding while brushing due to gum inflammation. If the bleeding does not stop after a few days, call your pediatric dentist. They can make any necessary adjustments and ensure the culprit isn’t gingivitis.
The Process of Getting a Pedi-Partial
The first thing to do is schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist. X-rays are taken to ensure the permanent teeth are developing properly. They will then take quick and gentle impressions to create a mold for the partial. The mold is sent to a dental laboratory that will fabricate the prosthetic. The pediatric dentist will place the partial during a follow-up fitting. Once installed, pedi-partials should be comfortable. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a secure and comfortable fit and an aligned bite.
Has Your Child Lost Teeth Too Early? Call CDND!
If your child has lost teeth too early due to trauma, tooth decay, or infection, give the team at CDND a call or fill out this form. We can develop a treatment plan to restore their smile. Families in Vickery Meadow and the surrounding DFW metroplex have trusted us for years to create pedi-partials that are virtually undetectable, comfortable, and confidence-boosting.
FAQs About Pedi-Partials
What is a pedi-partial?
A pediatric partial is a dental prosthetic that looks like real teeth.
What age children are candidates?
Children are most likely to benefit from one between the ages of two and eight.
Why might a child need a pedi-partial?
A child may need a partial if they suffer from a playground injury, tooth decay, or dental infections.
What are the benefits?
Pedi-partials restore confidence, guide speech development, help with chewing, maintain space and keep teeth from shifting, and prevent dental problems from developing.
Are pedi-partials uncomfortable?
No, a pedi-partial should be comfortable, and your child should forget they are wearing one. If it feels uncomfortable beyond the first few days, call your pediatric dentist for an adjustment.
How many appointments will it take to get a pedi-partial?
Generally, it can be created and placed in two visits.
Do I need to brush my child’s “fake” teeth, too?
Definitely! Not brushing your child’s partial can lead to gum disease and cavities in the surrounding teeth. Treat them just like you would real teeth.
