Partial dentures are used to replace spaces caused by missing teeth, and they are designed to restore function while helping the rest of the smile stay aligned. They are often made with a combination of metal and acrylic, although in some cases they may be made entirely of acrylic, depending on your needs and the design that best supports comfort and stability. A partial denture does more than fill a visible gap. It can help limit unwanted shifting or rotation of nearby teeth, which may affect bite alignment, chewing efficiency, and facial support over time. If you would like to review how partial dentures fit within the full range of treatments offered at Milestone Denture Clinic, you can explore our services for an overview.

Partial dentures can replace one or multiple missing teeth and are designed to work alongside your remaining natural teeth. By providing support to the surrounding teeth, they can reduce strain on the bite and help lower the chance of pressure or discomfort that may occur when teeth drift into open spaces. Many patients also notice improvements in speaking and chewing once the gap is restored. Before making a partial denture, we assess your oral tissues and the condition of the remaining teeth so the design supports a stable fit and feels comfortable during daily wear.

In some situations, a partial denture is chosen because a fixed replacement is not suitable. When patients are also comparing implant-based options with their denturist, it can be helpful to read about alternatives such as implant retained dentures (overdenture), especially for those who want added stability in a removable design.

Temporary Partial Dentures

Temporary acrylic partial dentures, often called a flipper, are a budget-friendly way to replace a missing tooth quickly. This appliance can resemble a retainer and typically rests along the roof of the mouth, with a prosthetic tooth or teeth attached to restore the appearance of a complete smile. A flipper is commonly used after an extraction or following an accident that results in tooth loss, especially when a patient wants an interim solution during healing.

This type of denture can often be prepared relatively quickly and can help stabilize nearby teeth, so they are less likely to shift into an unfavourable position. Flippers are generally not intended for long-term wear. They are most often used while waiting for a longer-term plan coordinated with a denturist, which may include crowns, a bridge, implants, or other restorative options. If you experience tooth loss and want to understand replacement timelines, you may also find it helpful to review immediate dentures as another option that can be planned around extractions in certain situations.

Partial Denture vs Dental Bridge

Leaving a space from a missing tooth can contribute to several oral concerns, including changes in confidence, difficulty chewing or speaking, and movement of surrounding teeth. Over time, shifting can also change how the teeth meet, which may increase pressure on certain areas of the mouth. To avoid these issues, patients often consider either a partial denture or a dental bridge. One key difference is that a partial denture is removable, while a bridge is cemented in place. In many situations, bridges can also be significantly more costly than dentures, and candidacy depends on the health and stability of the surrounding teeth.