Restorative Dentistry
Partial Dentures in Reston, VA
Fill the gaps while keeping the healthy teeth you still have.
A removable partial denture replaces some missing teeth and clips onto your remaining natural teeth to stay in place.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures in Reston, VA: removable replacement teeth that fill the gaps and clip onto your remaining healthy teeth to stay in place.
Replace a few teeth, keep the rest
A partial denture fills in gaps where you are missing some teeth and still have some healthy teeth left. The replacement teeth sit on a gum-colored base, and small clasps clip onto your remaining natural teeth to hold it in place. Because it is removable, you can take it out to clean it and to clean the teeth around it. Filling the spaces also helps keep your other teeth from drifting into the gaps. Each partial is custom-made to fit around the teeth you are keeping, so it looks natural in your smile.
When a partial makes sense
A partial denture is one of several ways to replace missing teeth when healthy teeth remain on the same jaw. If every tooth on an arch needs replacing, full dentures are the usual choice instead. Where the missing teeth sit in a row, a fixed dental bridge or an implant-supported bridge may also be an option, and we can compare them with you.
What a partial does for you
- GapsFills the spaces left by missing teeth.
- ClaspsClips onto healthy teeth to stay in place.
- CleaningComes out so it is easy to clean.
Caring for a partial denture
- Take it out to clean itRemove the partial each day and clean it, so it stays fresh and comfortable to wear.
- Look after the teeth it holdsBrush and floss your natural teeth, especially the ones the clasps clip onto, because they keep the partial in place.
- Keep your regular examsEach exam includes a check of your bite, which tells us how the partial is working with your teeth.
- Ask for an adjustmentA partial can be adjusted as your mouth changes, so tell us if it starts to feel loose.
Talk to us about the teeth you are missing
At your visit we examine the teeth you have and talk through the options for the ones that are gone. Our team can also walk you through insurance and financing options before anything is scheduled.
The short answer
A partial denture is a removable restoration that fills in the gaps where some teeth are missing while healthy natural teeth remain on the same jaw. The replacement teeth sit on a custom-made, gum-colored base, and small clasps clip onto your remaining teeth to hold the partial in place. It replaces missing teeth without covering a whole arch, and because it comes out for cleaning, it is easy to look after along with the natural teeth it rests against.
Partial dentures FAQ
- What is a partial denture?
- A partial denture is a removable restoration that fills in gaps where you are missing some teeth and still have some healthy teeth left. It replaces only the missing teeth, rather than a whole arch. The replacement teeth sit on a gum-colored base that fits around your remaining teeth. Each one is custom-made for your mouth.
- How does a partial denture stay in place?
- A partial denture clips onto your remaining natural teeth to stay in place. Small clasps on the partial hold onto the healthy teeth beside the gaps. That is why caring for those teeth matters as much as caring for the partial itself. If the fit ever feels loose, the partial can be adjusted.
- How is a partial denture different from a full denture?
- A partial denture replaces some missing teeth, while a full denture replaces a complete set of teeth on your upper or lower jaw. A partial relies on your remaining natural teeth to hold it in place. A full denture replaces every tooth on that arch. We look at your mouth and explain which suits you.
- Can I take my partial denture out?
- Yes, a conventional partial denture is removable. You can take it out to clean it and to clean the natural teeth it clips onto. Putting it back in place is part of your daily routine. Our team shows you how to look after it when it is fitted.
- Is a partial denture my only option for missing teeth?
- No, a partial denture is one of several ways to replace missing teeth. A standard fixed bridge attaches artificial teeth to the healthy teeth on either side of a gap. An implant-supported bridge attaches to dental implants instead, so no healthy teeth need reshaping. We explain each option and answer your questions before you choose.
- How do I clean a partial denture?
- Take your partial denture out to clean it, and brush and floss your natural teeth while it is out. Pay particular attention to the teeth the clasps clip onto, because they hold the partial in place. Keep up your regular cleanings and exams, which include a check of your bite. Let us know if anything feels different, so we can check the fit.
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We accept most PPO dental insurance plans. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and helps you get the most from your coverage.
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