Partial Dentures in Aurora
A partial denture fills the spaces where teeth are missing and works around the teeth you still have. It is designed to share the load with them and to come out for cleaning.
The short answer
A partial denture is a removable replacement for some missing teeth. Artificial teeth sit on a gum-coloured base, often with a thin metal frame, and small clasps hold it to your natural teeth. At Aurora Gateway Dental in Aurora, your dentist plans the design around your remaining teeth so it fits comfortably and helps keep them healthy.
- Visits
- Several short visits
- Timeline
- A few weeks from planning to fitting
- Comfort
- Usually no freezing needed, unless teeth are prepared
- Coverage
- CDCP covers partial dentures with preauthorization; often a major service under insurance
- Dentist
- Our dentists
At a glance
What it is
A removable partial denture is a little like a custom puzzle piece. It replaces the missing teeth in one arch and fits snugly between and around the natural teeth that remain. Those remaining teeth do real work: they help hold the partial in place and keep it from rocking when you chew. That is why your dentist pays close attention to their health before and after the partial is made.
There are a few common designs. A cast metal framework partial uses a thin, rigid metal frame with artificial teeth set in gum-coloured acrylic. The frame is strong and slim, so it can feel less bulky. An all-acrylic partial is made mostly of plastic. It is often used as a shorter-term option, for example while gums heal after an extraction. Some partials use precision attachments that click onto crowns instead of visible clasps, which can look more natural but usually need crowns on the supporting teeth.
Design is where much of the care goes. Your dentist decides which teeth the clasps will hold, whether small rests need to be shaped into those teeth so the partial sits at the right height, and how the base will rest on your gums. Sometimes a filling, crown or gum treatment comes first so the supporting teeth are ready for the job.
Partial dentures take some getting used to. Expect it to feel large for the first days and to adjust how you speak and chew. Our dentures page covers full dentures, immediate dentures and how long dentures last, so here we focus on what is specific to partials.
Is it right for me?
- You are missing several teeth in the same upper or lower arch.
- You still have healthy teeth that can help support a partial.
- You want to replace teeth without surgery.
- A bridge is not possible because the gap is long or there is no tooth at the back end of it.
- You need a replacement while you plan implants or other long-term care.
Step by step
- Exam and planningYour dentist checks the remaining teeth and gums, takes X-rays, and talks about what you want the partial to do for you.
- Prepare the teethAny decay or gum problems are treated first. Small rests may be shaped into supporting teeth so the frame sits correctly.
- ImpressionsAccurate impressions are taken of both arches so the lab can design the frame around your teeth.
- Try-inThe frame or a wax setup with teeth is tried in to check fit, bite and appearance before the partial is finished.
- Fitting and adjustmentsYou learn how to put the partial in and take it out. Sore spots are adjusted at follow-up visits as your mouth settles.
How it compares
| Question | Metal framework partial | All-acrylic partial | Fixed bridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removable | Yes | Yes | No |
| Feel | Slim and rigid | Thicker and lighter | Like natural teeth |
| Common use | Longer-term replacement | Short-term or while healing | One to three teeth in a row |
| Can add a tooth later | Often | Often | Usually needs a new bridge |
General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.
Benefits and risks
Benefits
- Replaces several teeth at once without surgery.
- Helps stop remaining teeth from drifting or tipping into gaps.
- Fills out your smile and supports your lips and cheeks.
- Can often have teeth added if you lose another tooth later.
- Comes out for easy cleaning of both the denture and your own teeth.
Risks and limits
- Plaque collects under clasps and along the base, which raises the risk of decay and gum problems on supporting teeth.
- Speaking and eating feel different for the first weeks.
- Clasps on front teeth may show when you smile.
- Sore spots are common at first and need small adjustments.
- Your gums and bone change over time, so the fit will need checking.
Cost and coverage
The fee for a partial denture depends mostly on its design and the lab work behind it. A cast metal frame involves more lab steps than an all-acrylic partial, and precision attachments add the cost of crowns. Our fees use the Ontario Dental Association fee guide as a reference. Most insurance plans treat partials as a major service. The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers partial dentures for eligible people but requires preauthorization, so we send that request before work begins. We also accept IFHP and bill all insurance plans directly. Ask about our in-house dental plan and flexible payment options. You get a written estimate first.
What shapes your estimate
- The type of partial: metal framework, all-acrylic or precision attachments
- The number of missing teeth the partial will replace
- Whether supporting teeth need fillings, crowns or rests first
- Lab fees for the frame and teeth
- Whether any teeth need to be removed before the partial is made
Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.
After your visit
- Put the partial in with your fingers. Never bite it into place, which can bend the clasps.
- Start with small pieces of soft food, chewing on both sides at once.
- Read aloud for a few minutes a day to help your speech adjust.
- Take it out to clean every day with a denture brush and mild soap, not toothpaste. If it has metal clasps, soak it only in warm water or a cleanser made for metal frames.
- Remove it overnight to let your gums rest, and keep it in water so it does not dry out.
Questions
Will people see the clasps?
It depends on which teeth hold the partial. Clasps on back teeth are rarely noticed. If a clasp would show on a front tooth, your dentist may suggest a different design, tooth-coloured options where suitable, or precision attachments.
How long does it take to get used to a partial denture?
Most people need a few weeks. It may feel bulky at first, and you may have more saliva or a slight lisp. These usually ease with daily wear and practice.
Can I eat normally with a partial?
Over time, most foods become manageable. Begin with soft foods cut into small pieces and chew on both sides. Skip very sticky or hard foods while you adjust.
What if my partial feels tight or rubs a sore spot?
Do not try to bend the clasps or file it yourself. Call us. Small adjustments in the chair often fix pressure points and sore spots.
Can a tooth be added if I lose another one later?
Often, yes, depending on the design and where the tooth is. Bring your partial when you come in so your dentist can see whether it can be added or a new one is needed.
Why do I need to keep up checkups with a partial?
The teeth holding your partial are working harder and trap more plaque around the clasps. Regular checkups and cleanings protect them, and your dentist can check the fit at the same time.
Reviewed by the dentists at Aurora Gateway Dental Care. Last updated October 29, 2026. This page is general information, not personal medical advice.
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676 Wellington Street East, Unit 3
Aurora, ON L4G 0K3