Partial dentures are for patients that have several missing teeth, which is different from full dentures for people missing all teeth on their lower or upper jaw. Partials offer more freedom to our patients. improving their self confidence, and helping to increase the variety of food that is available to them. Partial dentures come in a variety of materials and two varieties, removable and permanent. Dr. Whipple will discuss which is the best option for you.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture allows multiple missing teeth in the same arch to be replaced with one appliance. Partial dentures help you by:

  • restoring your mouths natural function.
  • replacing the multiple missing teeth in the same arch.
  • correct any bite issues you have due to shifting of teeth.
  • correct any jaw alignment issues from shifting teeth.
  • stop your teeth from further shifting.
  • stop your bone from atrophy, which it does when teeth are missing, and causes an older appearance.

Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are held in place by gripping two healthy teeth with metal clasps.

Permanent Partial Dentures

Permanent partial dentures are adhered with cement for a permanent bond, which means that it is non-removable, though the bond may need to be re-cemented with time.

A partial denture offers a much more comfortable fit and feel than a complete denture. There are many factors that help us to determine if you are a candidate for tooth replacement, Dr. Whipple can help make that decision with you. He will examine the health of your gums and the shape of your anchor teeth.

Partial Denture or Dental Implant?

Dental implants are a great option. They allow the patient to have a strong, stable, artificial tooth that you can forget about. Many patients find that the metal clasps of partial dentures are usually visible affecting the beauty of your smile. Richard Whipple, DDS can eliminate the need for visible clasps.

Partial dentures can be designed to allow for the future loss of teeth which may not be as healthy as the rest. We are happy to discuss alternatives to partial dentures, this includes bridges, implants, mini implant anchored dentures and occasionally, full dentures.

Please contact our Tigard, OR office for more information on partial dentures.