Partial Dentures

A partial denture fills in the gaps left by missing teeth while you still have some natural teeth remaining, rather than replacing a full set the way a full denture does. It clips or rests against your existing teeth, so the fit depends on the number and position of the teeth you still have.

Who needs a partial denture?

If you’re missing one or more teeth but still have healthy natural teeth elsewhere in your mouth, a partial denture is usually the option worth considering first, ahead of a full denture. Beyond the gap itself, missing teeth can let neighbouring teeth drift out of position over time and change how you bite — a partial denture holds that gap and helps keep the rest of your bite stable.

The general options

Partial dentures are commonly made in one of two ways: a lighter, more flexible acrylic base, or a thinner metal (usually cobalt-chrome) framework with acrylic sections holding the replacement teeth. Acrylic is generally more affordable and simpler to adjust; a metal framework is usually thinner and more rigid, which some people find more comfortable. Which one suits you depends on how many teeth are missing, where they are, and the condition of the teeth the denture will clip onto — we’ll go through the options that make sense for your mouth at a consultation, rather than assuming one fits all.

How we make them

We take an impression of your remaining teeth and gums, which goes to our on-site laboratory to be built to fit around what you already have. Because the lab is on the premises, fitting adjustments can generally be made without a long wait between visits.

Living with a partial denture

Take it out to clean daily, along with your remaining natural teeth and gums, since food can collect around the clasps and under the denture just as it can around real teeth. Most people find a short adjustment period normal as they get used to speaking and chewing with it in. As with any denture, your mouth changes shape gradually over time, so the fit is something we check at your regular visits rather than a one-off job.

Book a consultation

Call us or use the contact form to book a consultation about partial dentures. Bring your health fund card if you have one, so we can check what applies to you.