When several teeth are missing, everyday things like eating, speaking, and smiling can become more difficult. The remaining teeth may also be asked to carry more of the workload than they were designed to handle. While implants and bridges are wonderful options for replacing missing teeth, they aren’t the right solution for every patient—or necessarily the right solution at every stage of life.
Partial dentures offer a removable and more affordable way to replace several missing teeth while working with the healthy teeth you still have. They typically use the remaining teeth for support and can help restore your smile and improve your ability to chew. Partials can be made from several different materials, including acrylic, flexible materials, and metal frameworks. We’ll consider the health and location of your remaining teeth, your individual needs, and your preferences when deciding which option is best for you.
Transitioning to a Complete Denture
For patients who need to have their remaining teeth removed, we understand that the idea of going without teeth—even temporarily—can be concerning. In many cases, an immediate denture can be made ahead of time and placed on the same day your teeth are removed, allowing you to leave the office with a smile.
Your mouth will change quite a bit during the months that follow. As the extraction sites heal, the gums and underlying bone naturally remodel and shrink, while the denture itself stays the same size. Because of this, immediate dentures often require adjustments and relines along the way to improve their fit and keep you comfortable throughout the healing process.
Once healing and remodeling have progressed, we can begin creating your final denture, with greater attention to long-term fit, function, comfort, and appearance.
Dentures may not feel exactly like natural teeth, and learning to use them takes some time and patience. Our goal is to guide you through that transition, make adjustments as you heal, and help you regain as much comfort, confidence, and function as possible.
