What Are Partial Dentures?

Your teeth can take a lot, and they can last a lifetime with proper care. Unfortunately, most don’t make it very long until they lose a tooth. Around half of the population has at least one missing tooth, and upward of 40 million are missing all of their teeth. 

Missing teeth are a huge problem. Even one tooth gone AWOL can cause an avalanche of oral health problems, ranging from gum disease to jawbone deterioration. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to look very far for help. 

Jason Alsbury, LD, and our team at Apex Denture Studio specialize in connecting you with the best tooth replacement options available. We thoroughly review your oral health history and examine your teeth before making a recommendation. 

One of our most popular treatments is partial dentures. You may think the name tells you all there is to know, but partial dentures are more varied and versatile than you may realize. 

Here’s your complete guide to partial dentures. 

Partial dentures explained

Partial dentures replace several missing teeth rather than an entire upper or lower set. In addition to restoring the look of your smile, partial dentures make it easier to chew and speak and prevent your other teeth from shifting out of place. 

Most partial dentures aren’t designed for all-day wear — you remove them at night to keep them clean. 

Different types of partial dentures allow you to customize your tooth replacement strategy, and we’re here to break down a few of the things that go into deciding whether or not partial dentures are right for you. 

Location of missing teeth

Fortunately, the location of your missing teeth doesn’t count you out for partial dentures. Partial dentures can replace teeth in your mouth's front (anterior) or back (posterior) portions. 

Number of missing teeth

We recommend partial dentures for our patients who have lost multiple teeth but still have some healthy teeth remaining. Whether you lost your teeth due to an accident, extraction, or underlying oral health issue, how you lost your teeth doesn’t necessarily impact your candidacy. 

We may recommend implant-supported dentures if you’re at risk for jawbone deterioration. 

Materials used

The base of your dentures is usually plastic or metal. Our cast partial dentures combine a metal framework with tissue-colored acrylic to match your remaining teeth and gums. 

We also offer flexible partial dentures made from soft, pliable materials that don’t crack as easily under pressure. 

Visibility

Most traditional partial dentures come with metal clips or attachments; depending on their placement, they may be visible when you smile and talk. Ask us how to avoid showing off your denture hardware when you’re out and about. 

If you have missing teeth and are dragging your feet because you don't know where to start, turn to our experts. We walk you through all your options, including partial dentures, to ensure you have a healthy, beautiful smile for the long haul. 

Call our friendly staff at 509-204-8305 or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve patients in the Yakima and Richland, Washington, areas.