Looking for a solution for missing teeth? Partial dentures are a great way to help restore your smile to replace some missing teeth.
Partial dentures are specifically designed to fill in the spaces created by some missing teeth. Additional to the cosmetic and functional benefits, partial dentures also help prevent your other teeth from changing position and are custom-made to take on the appearance of your natural teeth.
There are a number of partial denture options to choose from when replacing your teeth and restoring your smile.
What are partial dentures?
A partial denture is a removable denture constructed with a plastic or metal material.
Partial dentures are used to replace one or more of your lost teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
There are a few different types of partial dentures available which include:
- Metal
- Fixed
- Acrylic
- A temporary partial denture (also known as a flipper tooth)
Acrylic partial dentures are an affordable solution that can be easily fitted by a dentist. The main benefit of this type of denture is it is easy to look after and maintain, it’s cost-effective and provides a simple short term and sometimes long term solution to single or multiple missing teeth.
Metal partial dentures are generally smaller in terms of surface area than plastic or acrylic ones. A false tooth or false teeth are attached to a gum-coloured plastic and a metal frame which is usually made from a chrome cobalt alloy.
Fixed partial dentures are often held in place by attachments or retained to natural teeth or dental implants.
A temporary partial denture, also known as a flipper tooth, is a removable appliance designed to fit along the roof of your mouth or on your lower jaw. It will have one or more prosthetic tooth attached to it.
Need to know
Appointments
On average between 2 to 4 appointments
- At the first consultation visit your dentist will examine your teeth and make a recommendation. You will also have an impression taken of your mouth
- If you need teeth extracted your dentist will remove your teeth and fit your dentures immediately using immediate dentures
- After the fitting of your dentures you will need to have another appointment during the first week so your dentist can review the healing process
- You will usually need your dentures adjusted within the first 3 to 6 months of having them fitted
- You will usually need your dentures re-lined within the first 6 to 12 months
- Further appointments may be needed if you have any problems or issues with your dentures
How long it takes
- The consultation will usually take around 30 to 60 minutes
- Following appointments will usually take around 1 hour
You may be asked about
- Your dental history and medical history
- If you are experiencing any pain or problems with your dentures
- Your normal oral care routine at home
Before your appointment
- No special preparation needed
After your appointment
- Eat soft and easy-to-chew foods in the first few weeks following your denture fitting
- Rinse with warm salt water to help with healing
- Use pain relief medication if you need it
- Use a cold compress to help control and limit swelling
- From 2 days after your surgery remove and carefully clean your dentures twice a day using a denture brush and denture cleanser
- Don't smoke for at least 48 hours after denture surgery
Quick tip
With proper care dentures can last for years. Take good care of your oral health by flossing daily, brushing twice daily and regularly visiting the dentist and hygienist.
Have Questions?
The cost of partial dentures can depend on a few different factors. The price may depend on the scale of the treatment and the condition of your teeth. Each situation can be unique. We recommend booking a consultation with a dentist. At the consultation appointment they will examine your teeth and be able to give you an estimate of the price.
Our experienced dental team are experts at providing you the best care when getting your dentures placed. Making sure you feel comfortable during and after the procedure is a high priority. However, it’s normal to experience some pain and discomfort with your dentures, particularly after the procedure as it takes time to get used to your new dentures. Pain and swelling can be common following extraction and the fitting. The pain will go away once the healing is complete and you have adjusted to your dentures. We recommend regular visits to the dentist following the fitting, as you adjust to your new dentures.
Plastic partial dentures can be more cost-effective however your dentist may recommend a metal partial denture, which may be more suitable for your functional and aesthetic needs.. Metal partial dentures are often made from cobalt and chromium and they’re much stronger. They’re lighter and they can be supported by your remaining teeth. They will also have gum-coloured plastic and natural look teeth attached to them
There are a couple of options when it comes to getting dentures. Complete dentures are used when all your teeth are missing, and partial dentures are used when some of your natural teeth still remain. Complete dentures can either be conventional or immediate (made in advance and positioned as soon as the teeth are removed). Partial dentures are usually made up of replacement teeth which is attached to a plastic base and are sometimes connected by metal to hold the denture in the mouth.
It will usually take you a bit of time to adjust to your new dentures and eating may be a bit uncomfortable for a few weeks. We recommend eating soft foods and small pieces of food to start off with. Once you become used to your new dentures you will be able to return to your normal diet. You should continue to be careful when eating hard, hot or sticky foods.
We understand that getting dentures is a big decision to make and one of the main factors people need to consider before treatment is the cost. We know that dentistry can be expensive that’s why we offer a wide variety of payment options to suit your needs. With our range of pay later options you can stress less and get the treatment you need without stressing about the price. Explore our range of payment options and find one that works for you.