Partial Dentures

Partial dentures can be a good option if you need tooth replacement but still have some healthy teeth nearby. At the office of Sabrina E. Mickel, DDS, Dr. Mickel and her team offer partial dentures to restore your smile, add stability, and help you get back to eating normally. To learn more about partial dentures, call the Beachwood, Ohio, office or use the online booking feature today.

What are partial dentures?

Partial dentures are removable sections of several false teeth. Just as complete dentures replace all your teeth, partial dentures slot in among your healthy teeth to restore the gaps in your smile. 

Partial dentures generally replace three or more teeth in a row but can’t replace all the teeth in an arch. For that, you’d need either complete dentures, dental implants, or a combination of the two (implant-retained dentures). 

How do partial dentures stay in the mouth? 

As with complete dentures, partial dentures have a flesh-colored base that suctions to the tops of your gums. For added stability, partial dentures have metal clasps that attach to connectors on the backs of your healthy teeth nearby. This allows for maximum stability while still being removable. 

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can combine partial dentures with dental implants. In some cases, one dental implant can support a small group of teeth. Implant-retained dentures aren’t removable.

How do partial dentures compare to bridges? 

Partial dentures are removable (except when anchored by a dental implant). Bridges aren’t removable, but they serve the same purpose as a partial denture: replacement of a small group of teeth. 

A bridge usually includes a pontic (the false tooth) along with two crowns on either side. The crowns attach to your healthy teeth. 

The team at Sabrina E. Mickel, DDS, can explain the partial denture alternatives and help you select the one that fits your needs and lifestyle. 

Are flippers and partial dentures the same thing?

Flippers are removable temporary tooth replacements, generally for teeth in the front of the mouth. They often look like a retainer with a tooth attached. While partial dentures are a long-term solution, flippers are more of a temporary one meant to fill teeth gaps while you wait for a dental implant. 

How do I care for a partial denture?

The team at the office of Sabrina E. Mickel, DDS, provides specific instructions for denture removal, daily cleaning, overnight soaking, and other denture maintenance to help you get the best results and most longevity from your new partial dentures. 

To learn more about how a partial denture can complete your smile, call the office of Sabrina E. Mickel, DDS, or use the online booking feature today.