Missing several teeth can make eating, speaking, and smiling a challenge, but you don’t have to live with the gaps in your smile. At Lakeshore Dental in Fort Collins, CO, we offer removable partial dentures that are custom-designed to fill in the spaces left by missing teeth while preserving your remaining natural teeth.

Our high-quality partial dentures restore the function and appearance of your smile, helping you regain your confidence and improve your overall oral health.

What Are Removable Partial Dentures?

Removable partial dentures, often referred to as "partials," are prosthetic dental devices used to replace one or more missing teeth while keeping your remaining natural teeth intact. They consist of a gum-colored base, false teeth, and a framework or clasps that help hold them in place.

Unlike complete dentures, which replace all teeth in an arch, partial dentures are designed to work alongside your natural teeth, filling gaps and preventing issues such as shifting, bite problems, and further tooth loss.

Benefits of Removable Partial Dentures

Partial dentures offer a range of benefits, including:

  1. Restored Functionality: Eat and speak more comfortably with the support of partial dentures.
  2. A Natural Look: Modern materials and designs create partial dentures that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
  3. Preservation of Natural Teeth: Partial dentures prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
  4. Affordable Solution: Partial dentures are a cost-effective way to replace missing teeth compared to alternatives like dental implants.
  5. Easy Maintenance: As removable appliances, partial dentures are easy to clean and care for.

Who Is a Candidate for Removable Partial Dentures?

You may be a good candidate for removable partial dentures if:

  • You’re missing one or more teeth but still have healthy natural teeth remaining.
  • You want an affordable and non-invasive option for replacing missing teeth.
  • You’re looking for a removable solution that can be easily cleaned and maintained.
  • You want to prevent shifting teeth or additional tooth loss caused by the gaps in your smile.

Dr. Alexa Crete will evaluate your oral health during a consultation to determine if partial dentures are the right option for you.

The Process for Getting Partial Dentures at Lakeshore Dental

At Lakeshore Dental, we follow a step-by-step process to ensure your partial dentures are comfortable, functional, and tailored to your needs:

1. Consultation and Evaluation

During your first visit, Dr. Alexa Crete will assess your oral health, discuss your concerns and goals, and determine whether partial dentures are the best solution for you.

2. Impressions

We’ll take detailed impressions of your teeth and gums to create a precise mold for your custom partial denture. These impressions ensure a snug, comfortable fit.

3. Fabrication

Your partial denture will be crafted from high-quality materials that are durable, functional, and natural-looking. We carefully match the color of the false teeth to your existing teeth for a seamless appearance.

4. Fitting and Adjustments

Once your partial denture is ready, you’ll try it on in our office. We’ll make any necessary adjustments to ensure it fits securely and comfortably.

5. Ongoing Care and Maintenance

We’ll guide you on how to care for your partial denture and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your oral health and the performance of your appliance.

Caring for Your Removable Partial Dentures

Proper care is essential to keep your partial dentures in excellent condition and to maintain the health of your natural teeth and gums. Here are some tips:

  • Daily Cleaning: Remove your partial dentures and clean them with a soft brush and denture cleaner daily. Avoid using abrasive toothpaste.
  • Handle with Care: Be gentle when cleaning or removing your dentures to prevent damage.
  • Soak Overnight: Store your dentures in water or a denture solution overnight to keep them moist and maintain their shape.
  • Rinse After Meals: Rinse your dentures after eating to remove food debris and prevent staining.
  • Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing your natural teeth daily to prevent decay and gum disease.
  • Schedule Regular Checkups: Visit us regularly to ensure your dentures fit well and your mouth stays healthy.

Partial Dentures vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options

When considering partial dentures, it’s important to compare them to other available options:

  • Partial Dentures: Affordable, non-invasive, and removable. Partial dentures are great for filling gaps when you still have natural teeth remaining.
  • Dental Bridges: Fixed restorations that are bonded to adjacent teeth. While bridges are permanent, they require reshaping of neighboring teeth and are more expensive than partial dentures.
  • Dental Implants: A permanent solution for replacing individual teeth or supporting bridges. Implants provide the most natural appearance and function but require surgery and a larger financial investment.

Dr. Alexa Crete will help you choose the solution that best fits your oral health needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removable Partial Dentures

Will partial dentures feel comfortable?

It may take a few weeks to adjust to your new partial dentures, but they are custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth. If you experience discomfort, adjustments can be made to improve the fit.

How long do partial dentures last?

With proper care, partial dentures can last 5 to 10 years. Over time, adjustments or replacements may be needed due to changes in your gums or jawbone.

Can I eat normally with partial dentures?

Yes! While it may take some practice, partial dentures allow you to eat most foods. Avoid sticky or hard foods initially, and reintroduce them gradually as you adjust.

Are partial dentures noticeable?

Modern partial dentures are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable.

How do I know if partial dentures are right for me?

If you’re missing one or more teeth and have healthy remaining teeth, partial dentures may be a great option for restoring your smile. Dr. Crete will evaluate your oral health and discuss your options during your consultation.

Restore Your Smile with Removable Partial Dentures in Fort Collins

Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from living life to the fullest. At Lakeshore Dental, we provide high-quality removable partial dentures that restore your smile, improve oral functionality, and boost your confidence.

Call us at (970) 221-1926 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today. Let us help you achieve a beautiful, functional smile with custom partial dentures!