If you are missing one or more of your teeth, then your dentist may have suggested partial dentures to replace them. Partial dentures can be a good choice if you are working with a smaller budget or if you have certain conditions that would prohibit other replacement options, such as dental implants. If you aren't all that familiar with how partial dentures work, then the information here will educate you on them.

What exactly are partial dentures?

Partial dentures have a plate that fits along your gums and a portion of the top or bottom of your mouth.  They may also have wire that is used to better secure them in place. There will be one or more prosthetic teeth built into the dentures, depending on how many teeth you are missing.

The prosthetic teeth of the partial dentures will be made to fit against your other teeth in a way that preserves your natural bite. They will also be made to have the same coloring and shading as the rest of your teeth. This helps them to look more realistic so it's not as obvious that they aren't your actual teeth.

When you decide to get partial dentures, the dentist will give you a complete oral exam and may possibly take pictures of your mouth, take x-rays and have you bite down on a mold so they can get an accurate impression. When the dentures come in, the dentist will have you try them on to make sure they fit correctly. Don't be surprised if they need an adjustment or two before you can leave with them in. Once they fit right, you can go home with them and enjoy once again having a full smile.

How do you care for partial dentures?

Partial dentures are relatively easy to care for, but they do need to be taken care of in addition to caring for your natural teeth. You will take them out to clean them and brush them with a regular toothbrush and denture cleaner. Make sure you clean all parts of the dentures, and rinse them off well. You should put a washcloth in the bottom of your sink and fill it with at least a few inches of water so the dentures won't break if you should drop them.

Soak them in denture solution overnight and rinse the solution off well before you put them back in your mouth. Also, if you put adhesive on them, make sure you only put very small drops of the adhesive on the dentures.

Partial dentures give you a fairly non-invasive way to replace your missing teeth. Once you get used to them, you will be able to eat and speak as if you still had all your natural teeth.