TL;DR

• Partial dentures are custom-made to replace missing teeth while keeping the natural ones intact.
• They can be removable or fixed. 
• Types of partial dentures are: 

• Acrylic dentures
• Cast-metal partial dentures
• Flexible partial dentures
• Dental bridges
• Implant-supported partial dentures 

• They help you chew and speak better while keeping your teeth in place and maintaining your natural smile and face shape. 
• The cost of partial denture depends on the type, material used, location in the mouth, and the number of teeth that need to be replaced. 

What are Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures are dental appliances made to replace one or multiple missing teeth while preserving your remaining natural teeth. These custom-made prosthetics consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base, carefully shaped to fit comfortably and integrate seamlessly with your existing teeth. Since partial denture rely on your natural teeth for support, having some healthy teeth is essential for a proper fit. 

At Norwood Dental, we often recommend partial dentures as a practical and cost-effective solution to restore your smile, improve chewing, and maintain the natural alignment of your teeth. Here’s everything you need to know about them.

How Do Partial Dentures Work?

Partial dentures function by filling in the spaces where teeth are missing while making use of the healthy teeth you still have. They are carefully shaped to rest on your gums and are secured with small clasps or attachments that connect to your natural teeth. This support keeps the denture steady so you can bite, chew, and speak more comfortably.

In addition to restoring function, the denture prevents neighboring teeth from drifting into empty spaces, which helps maintain the natural alignment of your bite.

Types of Partial Dentures 

Here’s a look at all the different types of partial denture: 

Removable Partial Dentures 

Removable partial denture are not meant to be worn the whole time. Our dentists at Norwood Dental recommend removing them at night and cleaning them. There are three types of removable dentures depending on the material used: 

1. Acrylic Partial Dentures

Acrylic partial dentures are the most economical option among all types. While affordable, it does have some limitations. The acrylic clasps are not as effective as those used in cast metal dentures, and the bulkier design can feel less comfortable or look less natural. For this reason, they are usually considered a temporary or budget-friendly solution.

2. Cast Metal Partial Dentures

The most common type is cast metal partial dentures. They are built with a strong framework made from Wironium or titanium, combined with high-quality resin teeth and a gum-colored acrylic base. They are well known for their durability, comfort, and precise fit, typically lasting between 7-10 years.

3. Flexible Partial Dentures

Flexible partial dentures are a good choice for people who cannot wear acrylic ones due to allergies. They have a soft, bendable base and gum-colored clips, which make them look very natural and comfortable to wear. However, they are the most expensive type and are usually recommended as a short-term solution.

Fixed Partial Dentures 

These are considered a semi-permanent solution for replacing a single tooth or several missing teeth. While you don’t need to remove these, it’s still important to clean them and take good care of them. Fixed partial denture are of two types: 

1. Fixed Bridges

If you are missing one or two teeth, then a fixed bridge can be considered. A fixed bridge is cemented, so you don’t have to remove it at all. One of the main disadvantages of a fixed bridge is that your supporting natural teeth are filed down to place the crown needed for support. 

2. Implant-Supported Partial Dentures

If you wish to keep your natural teeth intact without filing them, then implant-supported partial dentures are the right choice for you. For this type of denture, small posts of biocompatible titanium are permanently placed in your mouth where the teeth are missing. This is the most expensive option and ideal for patients who need a permanent and natural solution.

Benefits of Partial Dentures 

Along with improving your appearance, partial dentures offer several practical benefits, such as: 

• They help improve function and restore your ability to chew a wide variety of foods.
• They help you speak properly and avoid speech impediments that can occur due to missing teeth.
• They prevent healthy teeth from shifting positions. 
• Partial dentures are comparatively economical and cost-effective compared to full dental bridges and implants. 
• Removable partial dentures are easy to replace or repair if they are damaged. 
• These dentures can help maintain your face shape and also fill gaps for a more natural look. 
• They help improve your smile and can be designed to match your natural teeth. 

How Much Do Partial Dentures Cost?

The cost of partial dentures depends on the material used, the number of teeth that need to be replaced, the location, and the method used. Below is a typical range to give you an idea: 

How to Care for Partial Dentures

Here are a few things you should do to care for your dentures: 

• Always place your dentures in water or a denture solution when you are not wearing them. This maintains the shape of the denture and keeps it from drying out.
• Never place them in hot or boiling water, because it can warp and change the shape.
• Your denture can also accumulate plaque and stains like your natural teeth, so it’s important to clean it.
• You can use commercially available denture cleansers and a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your dentures. Avoid using bleach or harsh cleansers, as these can damage them. 

Our dentist at Norwood Dental also recommends regular check-ups to make sure your dentures fit well and to make adjustments if needed. 

Conclusion

Having missing teeth can affect your lifestyle and daily comfort, but partial denture offer a reliable, affordable, and natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth. 

At Norwood Dental, we help patients get their smile and confidence back. Our team of trusted dentists in Norwood is here to help you find the best denture option for your needs and budget, while making sure you are comfortable. 

To schedule a consultation, call us at (952) 467-3518 or email appointments@norwood-dental.com. You are also welcome to visit our clinic at 222 E Wilson Street, Norwood, MN 55368. 

FAQs 

How long do partial dentures last?

With the right care, your dentures can last for an average of 7 to 10 years. However, you need to get them relined and adjusted every one to two years for a comfortable fit. 

Are partial dentures uncomfortable to wear?

This depends on person to person. It can take from weeks to even months to get used to wearing a partial denture. After adjustments in the first couple of weeks, your denture should start feeling comfortable. 

Can I eat normally with partial dentures?

Yes, but it may take some time to get adjusted to the feeling of eating with a denture on. Start with softer foods, cut food into smaller pieces, and then gradually introduce harder foods. Avoid sticky foods initially. 

What is the difference between partial dentures and dental bridges?

Partial dentures can replace one or more missing teeth anywhere along an arch, while dental bridges are typically used to replace consecutive missing teeth.

Does insurance cover the cost of partial dentures?

Many dental insurances cover partial costs, especially with acrylic or cast-metal partial dentures. It’s always best to check with your insurance provider for exact details.