What Partial Dentures Are

A partial denture is a removable appliance that replaces multiple missing teeth in the same arch while preserving the natural teeth that remain. The artificial teeth are attached to a base that matches the color of your gum tissue, and clasps or precision attachments hold it securely against your remaining teeth.

Partials restore chewing function, support the lips and cheeks, and help prevent remaining teeth from shifting into the spaces left by missing ones. They accomplish this without surgery, and they can be adjusted or added to if additional teeth are lost over time.

When Partials Make Sense

Partial dentures are appropriate when implants or fixed bridges are not the right fit for a patient's situation. Budget, bone density at the missing tooth sites, the number and location of missing teeth, and overall health all factor into that determination.

For some patients, a partial is a long-term solution. For others, it serves as a functional restoration while a longer-term plan is developed. We discuss all the options at your consultation and will be straightforward about what makes sense for your specific situation.

The Process

Getting a partial denture typically involves several appointments. We start with impressions and measurements of your mouth and remaining teeth. A try-in appointment allows you to see how the partial looks and feels before it is finalized. At the delivery appointment, the partial is adjusted for fit and comfort.

Follow-up adjustment appointments are common and expected. As your mouth adapts to the partial, pressure points may develop that need to be relieved. We build that into the process and do not consider it an inconvenience.