Partial Dentures are the most economical method of replacing numerous missing teeth. Basically, a partial denture consists of metal framework covered with pink plastic to replicate the gums and natural looking plastic teeth to replace the one's you are missing. A partial denture can replace one tooth or a dozen teeth by using the remaining teeth as "anchors". A partial denture is always removable, so you do take it out when you sleep or clean it. It is important to remember that it is made to precisely fit every curve and angle of the gums and remaining teeth. If you do not wear the partial for weeks at a time, your teeth may shift and the partial will no longer fit. If you have a tooth extracted or restored, the partial may not fit. For this reason, we usually do not make a partial denture unless all the remaining teeth are restored well and the gum condition is stable.

Upper Partial

Lower Partial Metal Framework

The benefit to partial dentures is that they are the most cost effective way to replace numerous missing teeth. Many, many people learn to wear a partial denture without complaint, just as most people can learn to wear contact lenses. But there are some people who are not successful with wearing a partial denture.

Firstly, the partial denture grips some of your teeth with tiny "hooks" that the dentist calls "clasps". Depending on which teeth are missing, you might end up with clasps that show in your smile. These will look like tiny silver wires near the gum-line. Secondly, some people tend to have such "sore spots" on the gums or teeth from the pressure of the partial that they can never get comfortable with it. Thirdly, some people just can't get used to something "removable" on the roof of their mouth. Food can get caught under it. It may cause a gagging reaction. Unfortunately, one never knows if these are going to be problems until you have the partial and struggle with it for months.

Partial Dentures are a nice way to stabilize the bite and prevent shifting of the teeth, but some people will find that they just can't tolerate them in their mouths, or the cosmetic problems of the clasps showing, are just not what they want. It is important to consider this before having a partial made. For those patients, or for patients who do not have a huge financial limitation, we usually recommend "crown and bridge" (a number of permanently bonded crowns) or "dental implant"  to replace missing teeth. Check out either option on the "our services" page.