Restore Your Smile with Partial Dentures
Living with missing teeth can be challenging. It impacts our eating and speaking and can cause problems with our remaining teeth. Many people believe dentures are for those who are missing an entire arch of teeth or more. However, some dentures can be used to replace only a few missing teeth. These dentures tend to be more secure than full dentures and can help prevent the advance of dental health issues caused by missing teeth. Here at Rentschler and Rhee Dentistry, we’re dedicated to ensuring that we help preserve your smile and oral health for a lifetime.
Did you know?
Partial dentures require gentle care and frequent cleaning. Once you get your new partial dentures, you’ll need to:
- Keep them moist at all times by soaking them in a denture solution when not in use.
- Gently brush your dentures daily using a soft-bristled tooth brush.
- Be careful not to drop your partial dentures, as they may break.
- Avoid exposing your partial to hot temperatures that could cause warping.
Partial Dentures And How They Benefit Oral Health
When we lose our teeth, we can significantly impact our day-to-day life. We may not be able to eat as quickly as we could before. Our speech and our willingness to smile openly can be impacted. More importantly, without the support of these teeth, our remaining teeth may shift out of position and experience additional wear and tear.
Partial dentures are removable and are affixed by one of two types of attachment:
- Metal Clasps – These clasps fit around the base of the remaining teeth, securing the partial denture in place. The metal used in their construction can cause additional wear and tear on our natural teeth. As a result, the remaining teeth are often capped to protect them.
- Precision Attachments – These attachments are nearly invisible, unlike metal clasps. This makes them a frequent choice for patients worried about their appearance. They use a special male/female attachment setup, similar to snap buttons. The female housing is attached to the natural teeth, with the male on the partial dentures. This allows them to be easily snapped into place and removed for cleaning.
The first step to receiving partial dentures is a fitting. During this visit, your current oral health will be carefully assessed. Dr. Rhee will determine if crowns will be necessary for your remaining teeth. They will then take a mold using wax or plastic to get the right shape for your dentures and choose colors that closely match your natural teeth. The impressions and color choices will be sent to a dental lab for manufacture.
When you first receive your partial dentures, you may experience some strange sensations. They may feel loose or heavy, and you may produce excess saliva. However, once you’ve adjusted to them, these experiences should pass. Further, they should be comfortable to wear and fit well. If they feel too loose or tight or if your gums continue to be sore while wearing them, call for an appointment for a refitting.
Rediscover Comfort and Confidence with Partial Dentures
Missing just a few teeth can have a big impact on how you eat, speak, and smile. At Rentschler and Rhee Dentistry, we offer custom-crafted partial dentures designed to restore both function and appearance while helping preserve your remaining natural teeth. Whether you're looking for a discreet, secure fit or added support for long-term oral health, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s rebuild your smile with precision and care.