How Do Partial Dentures Work, and Who Are They For?
A partial denture replaces a few missing teeth while your remaining natural teeth stay in place. It rests on your gums and holds on to the teeth you still have, so you can take it out to clean it.
Partial dentures are custom-made by our Grand Rapids, MI dentists for patients who still have healthy teeth worth keeping.
Here's what you need to know about partial dentures.
How a Partial Denture Stays in Place
A partial denture has replacement teeth set in a base that's colored to look like your gums. That base sits over the gaps and rests on the gum and bone underneath.
According to Cleveland Clinic, partials also use for extra stability. Those clasps are what keep a partial steadier than a denture that relies on the gums alone.
Partial vs. Full Dentures
The difference comes down to how many teeth you still have. Full dentures replace every tooth on the upper or lower jaw.
A partial fills in only the missing sections. That lets you keep natural teeth that are still healthy instead of replacing the whole arch.
Who Is a Good Fit for a Partial Denture?
A partial often makes sense when you're missing several teeth on one jaw but the teeth around the gaps are strong. Those teeth need to be healthy enough to support the clasps.
It can also suit someone who wants a removable option that is easy to clean. Our guide to tooth replacement options compares partials with fixed choices.
Other Ways to Fill the Gap
A partial isn't the only answer for missing teeth. A dental bridge anchors a replacement tooth to the teeth on either side of a gap.
A dental implant replaces the root as well as the tooth. If you're weighing the two, read how implants and dentures compare on cost and upkeep.
What Wearing a Partial Feels Like
A new partial can feel bulky at first, and speaking may take some practice. Cleveland Clinic notes that getting used to new dentures can take weeks or sometimes months.
Practical tips for new denture wearers include reading aloud and starting with soft foods cut into small pieces.
Caring for a Partial and Your Natural Teeth
Brush your partial every day to clear away plaque and food. Soak it overnight in water or a cleansing solution, and never use hot water because heat can warp it.
The teeth that hold the clasps need care too. Cleveland Clinic advises every morning and night.
How Long a Partial Lasts
Cleveland Clinic puts the average denture lifespan at seven to 10 years. Your mouth changes over time, so the fit can loosen even when the partial itself looks fine.
The American Dental Association says after a new denture help check and adjust the fit. Ongoing soreness is a reason to call your dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat normally with a partial denture?
Most people return to a normal diet once they adjust, but it takes some practice. Start with soft foods, cut them into small pieces and chew on both sides.
Hard or sticky foods such as caramel can irritate your gums or pull at the partial. As your mouth gets used to the appliance, you can slowly add firmer foods back in.
Does Advance Dental make partial dentures to fit my mouth?
Yes. Advance Dental custom-makes its dentures, both full and partial, to fit each patient's mouth.
The replacement teeth sit on an acrylic base that's colored to look like your natural gums. After a short adjustment period, the partial should feel comfortable, and the dentists can also walk you through bridges and implants if those suit your gaps better.
Should I take my partial denture out at night?
Yes, most people should take a partial out before bed. Removing it gives your gums a rest and is the best time to clean it well.
Cleveland Clinic advises against sleeping in dentures and suggests storing them in cool water overnight. Letting a denture dry out can change its shape, so keep it covered in water or a cleansing solution until morning.
How often should my partial denture be checked?
Plan on having it checked at your regular dental visits. Advance Dental recommends an exam at least every 6 months, and the dentists look over your denture at those visits.
Cleveland Clinic also suggests a reline every one to two years if the fit has changed. A partial that rocks, rubs or feels loose is worth a visit before your next checkup.
Can I pay for a partial denture over time at Advance Dental?
Possibly. Advance Dental offers Sunbit and CareCredit, which let patients pay for many treatments over time, and the office works with dental insurance.
Both programs can be used for most treatments that improve oral health. Call the office at (616) 956-9183 to ask how financing or your insurance might apply to a partial denture.
Find Out if a Partial Denture Fits Your Smile
Partial dentures can restore your bite and your smile while you keep the healthy teeth you have. Whether a partial, bridge or implant is the better fit is a question our family dentists in Grand Rapids, MI are glad to answer.
Call Advance Dental today at (616) 956-9183 or request an appointment online.
