What is a Partial Denture?

What is a Partial Denture?

A partial denture is a removable dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth in a person’s mouth. When a patient is not a candidate for a dental implant or bridge, this type of dental appliance is an excellent treatment option.

A partial denture consists of artificial replacement teeth attached to a framework, usually made of a combination of acrylic and metal materials that clasps onto the remaining natural teeth for support.

The partial denture is designed to blend in with your natural teeth and is custom-designed to fit your mouth.

Partial Denture

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The partial denture is designed to blend in with your natural teeth and is custom-designed to fit your mouth.

When is a Partial Denture Recommended?

People may need a partial denture for various reasons, such as:

  • Missing Teeth: If you have one or more missing teeth and a dental implant or bridge is not an available option a partial denture can fill in the gaps and restore your smile. Utilizing a partial denture can also prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting into the empty spaces left by the missing teeth.
  • Chewing Function: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food properly. A partial denture helps improve your ability to bite and chew, making it easier to eat a variety of foods.
  • Speech: Teeth play a crucial role in forming certain sounds. When teeth are missing, it can lead to difficulties in pronouncing specific consonants and vowels. A partial denture restores the natural contours of the mouth, providing support for the tongue and lips during speech.
  • Aesthetic Reasons: Some people choose a partial denture for financial, permanent or temporary cosmetic reasons, to enhance the appearance of their smile.

Can I eat with a Partial Denture?

Yes, you can eat with a partial denture in your mouth. However, there might be an adjustment period as you get used to the new appliance. We recommend starting with softer foods and gradually introducing harder or chewier foods.

Chewing on both sides of your mouth will help distribute the biting pressure evenly to prevent the appliance from rocking which could cause the denture to loosen or break.

It’s also important to follow any care instructions provided by us to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the partial denture. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, you’ll need to clean both your natural teeth and the denture regularly to prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath.

Regular denture check-ups are essential so we may monitor the fit and make any necessary adjustments.

Partial Denture – Video

Adapting to a partial denture may take some time. Patients may initially experience changes in speech patterns as they get used to the new dental appliance. With practice and patience, most individuals adjust to the presence of the partial denture, and any initial speech changes tend to diminish over time. Regular communication with our office and necessary adjustments to the denture can help optimize fit and speech function.

Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific dental needs and whether a partial denture is the appropriate solution for you. We will assess your oral health, discuss treatment options, and explain the process.