Partial Dentures in North York

About partial dentures

A partial denture is a removable appliance with replacement teeth set into a gum-coloured base. It stays in place with small clasps or rests that hook onto your natural teeth. Because it relies on those teeth for support, your dentist first makes sure they and your gums are healthy enough to carry the extra load.

There are a few common designs. A cast metal partial has a thin, strong frame and is often chosen for long-term use. An all-acrylic partial is simpler and is sometimes used as a temporary option while the mouth heals. A flexible partial uses a bendable nylon-type material with gum-coloured clasps, which some people prefer for the look. Each has trade-offs in strength, comfort and how easily it can be repaired or added to later.

Filling gaps matters for more than appearance. When a tooth is lost, the teeth beside it can tip into the space and the opposing tooth can drift. Over time this can change your bite and make cleaning harder. A partial helps hold your teeth in position and spreads chewing forces more evenly.

Signs a partial denture may help

• You have one or more gaps from missing teeth
• Nearby teeth have started to tilt or drift into a space
• Chewing on one side feels weak or uneven
• You want a removable option rather than a fixed bridge or implant
• You need a replacement while healing from extractions

Benefits

• Keeps your remaining natural teeth in place
• Usually needs little or no drilling on healthy teeth
• Teeth can often be added later if more are lost
• Comes out for easy cleaning of the partial and your teeth

What to expect

1. Exam and X-raysYour dentist checks the teeth that will support the partial and treats any decay or gum problems first.
2. Choose a designWe talk through metal, acrylic and flexible options and what each means for comfort and repairs.
3. ImpressionsMoulds of your teeth are taken, and small rests may be shaped on support teeth so the partial seats firmly.
4. Try-inYou try the framework or a wax set-up so the fit and tooth shade can be checked.
5. Delivery and adjustmentYour finished partial is fitted, and the clasps and bite are fine-tuned at follow-up visits.

Aftercare

• Remove your partial to brush and floss your natural teeth, paying extra attention to the teeth the clasps hold onto.
• Put the partial in and take it out with your fingers, not by biting it into place, so the clasps do not bend.
• Clean it every day over a towel or sink of water, so it is less likely to break if dropped.

Other options

If the teeth next to a gap are strong, a fixed dental bridge may be an option. A dental implant can replace a single missing tooth without relying on nearby teeth. If most teeth are missing or failing, a complete denture may be more practical. Your dentist will compare these choices with you.

Cost and coverage

The fee for a partial denture depends on the design you choose, the number of teeth replaced and any treatment needed beforehand, such as fillings on support teeth. We use the ODA suggested fee guide as our reference, and many insurance plans cover part of the cost. If you are enrolled in CDCP, ask us how it may apply. We will give you an estimate before treatment, and LendCare payment plans are available to help with budgeting.

Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Your dental team

Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

Trusted health information

• Oral health for seniors (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (Government of Canada)

Related services

Partial Dentures near you

We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.