Dentures
Partial Dentures in Gladstone
Fill the gaps, keep the teeth you have.
When some of your teeth are missing but others are healthy, a partial denture fills in the spaces without removing what is still working. It slips in and out, and it is shaped to sit comfortably around your natural teeth.
Exceptional Dentistry in Gladstone, MO
How a partial denture works
A partial denture is built around the teeth you are keeping. Replacement teeth are set into a gum-colored base, and that base is attached either to a slim framework or to a flexible material that rests against your gums. Small clasps or precision attachments hold onto neighboring teeth so the partial stays put while you eat and talk, then release when you take it out to clean it. Filling the spaces also matters beyond appearance, because the teeth next to a gap can drift or tip into the open space over time and change the way your bite comes together. For a wider look at every removable option, visit our dentures page.
Styles of partial
Common types of partial denture
Your dentist will talk with you about which style suits the location of the gaps and the health of the teeth that support it.
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Framework partial
A thin, rigid framework with replacement teeth attached. It is typically slim and sturdy and grips the teeth beside it with clasps.
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Acrylic partial
A gum-colored acrylic base that holds the teeth. It is often used when more teeth may be lost later, since teeth can be added to it.
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Flexible partial
A bendable material that blends with the gums and has no visible metal clasps, which some people prefer for front teeth.
New patient special
$98
A $308 value for your first visit
Visiting us for the first time? Our new patient offer includes:
- Comprehensive exam
- Panoramic X-rays
- Bitewing digital X-rays
- Intraoral photos
- Smile evaluation
- Full gum evaluation
- Oral cancer screening
- TMJ and bite evaluation
- Review of your treatment options
- A written treatment plan
Partial denture, bridge or implant?
A partial denture is one of several ways to close a gap. A traditional bridge is fixed in place and uses the teeth on either side of the space as anchors, while dental implants replace the root of a missing tooth and do not rely on neighboring teeth at all. A partial is removable and can replace teeth in several places across an arch with a single appliance. Your dentist will explain how each option would work in your mouth so you can weigh them together.
Caring for your partial
- Take it out and rinse it after eating whenever you can
- Brush it with a soft brush and a cleaner your dentist recommends, not regular toothpaste
- Clean around the clasps and the teeth they hold, where food tends to collect
- Keep it moist when it is out of your mouth so it holds its shape
- Bring it to your checkups so the clasps and fit can be looked at
Why choose Marx Family Dental for a partial denture?
A partial depends on the health of the teeth it grips, so we look after those teeth as closely as the appliance itself. You get a clear explanation of the choices, time to ask questions and follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit.
Book your visit
Find out whether a partial fits your smile
Schedule a visit and we will examine the teeth around each gap, talk through the styles available and help you choose the replacement that feels right for you.
The short answer
A partial denture is a removable appliance that replaces several missing teeth while your remaining natural teeth stay in place. Replacement teeth are set into a gum-colored base attached to a slim framework or a flexible material, and small clasps or precision attachments hold onto neighboring teeth so it stays put while you eat and talk. Filling the gaps also helps keep nearby teeth from drifting or tipping into the open space and changing the way your bite comes together.
Partial Dentures FAQ
- Will people see the clasps?
- Clasps may be visible when you smile, depending on where the gap is. A flexible partial uses a bendable material that blends with the gums and has no visible metal clasps. Certain precision attachment designs can also make the hold far less noticeable. Your dentist will talk through which style suits the location of your gaps.
- Can I eat normally with a partial denture?
- Most people start with softer foods while they get used to a partial denture, then move back to a wider range of foods. The clasps or attachments hold the partial in place while you eat, then release when you take it out. Very sticky or hard foods can loosen or damage the appliance, so they are worth avoiding. Taking it out to rinse after eating, whenever you can, helps keep food from collecting around it.
- Can teeth be added to my partial later?
- With some designs, your dentist may be able to add a tooth if another one is lost. Acrylic partials are often chosen for this reason, since teeth can be added to the gum-colored base. Framework partials can sometimes be modified as well. Bring your partial to your checkups so your dentist can review the fit as your mouth changes.
- Does a partial denture harm my other teeth?
- A partial denture depends on the teeth it grips, so those supporting teeth need extra attention. Food and plaque tend to gather around the clasps, which can put the teeth they hold at risk if they are not cleaned well. Cleaning around the clasps and those teeth every day, along with regular checkups, helps protect them. Your dentist will also check the clasps and fit at each visit.
- What if I need all of my teeth replaced?
- When no healthy teeth remain in an arch, a full denture is typically the removable option. A partial needs natural teeth to grip, so it is not suited to an arch with none left. Your dentist will examine your mouth and explain how a full denture would work. Our dentures page covers every removable option in more detail.
Your dentist
Meet Dr. Emily Marx
A skilled family dentist, Dr. Marx is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable while achieving their best smile. Meet Dr. Marx
