If you have lost multiple teeth, you may face some serious daily challenges. For example, you may find it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods. There is also a risk that your remaining natural teeth will drift out of place and cause you further discomfort. Partial dentures may be able to address such issues. This page gives you some details on what partial dentures are and how they work. If you believe they may be right for you, contact Abington Family Dental Care to schedule your consultation.
You are likely familiar with the concept of a full denture, which replaces an entire arch of teeth. A partial denture has a similar construction in that it consists of a gum-colored base that is attached to artificial teeth. However, unlike a full denture, a partial one replaces several missing teeth rather than all of them; it fills in the areas around the around the remaining natural teeth. It is kind of like a puzzle pieces that fits in exactly where it is needed, all with the goal of recompleting the dental arch and restoring function and aesthetics. Small metal clasps help a partial denture to remain secure in the mouth.
The partial denture process begins with a consultation. We will assess the health of your remaining natural teeth and discuss whether they should stay in the mouth, or if we should extract them and provide a full denture rather than a partial one. If a partial denture is right for you, we will get to work on designing the prosthetic. We will take impressions of your mouth, analyze your bite, and give careful thought to your denture’s aesthetics. A dental laboratory will fabricate the denture, and we will coach you on how to care for it before you begin to use it.
Some outstanding benefits of partial dentures include:
The cost of a partial denture is generally less than that of a full denture, and a partial denture usually requires less preparatory treatment (such as extractions). When you visit us for your consultation, we will help you consider the cost of each of your treatment options so you can make a decision that works with your budget. We will also help you explore how financing and insurance may make your treatment more affordable.