Transform Your Smile with Partial Dentures Durham NC: Complete Guide
- Local Start Dental
- Feb 27
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 16
What Are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace one or more missing teeth while preserving your remaining natural teeth. Unlike full dentures that replace all teeth in an arch, partial dentures fill the gaps created by tooth loss, preventing remaining teeth from shifting and maintaining proper oral function.
Quick Answer: Partial dentures are custom-made removable appliances that replace missing teeth while keeping your existing natural teeth intact. They restore chewing function, improve speech, and prevent remaining teeth from shifting into empty spaces.
Why Choose Partial Dentures in Durham, NC?
Durham residents facing tooth loss have multiple replacement options, but partial dentures offer a practical, affordable solution for maintaining oral health and function. At Local Start Dental, our specialized prosthodontic care ensures your partial dentures fit comfortably and function optimally.
Benefits of Partial Dentures
Preserve Remaining Teeth: Partial dentures prevent your natural teeth from shifting into empty spaces, which can cause bite problems and additional tooth loss over time.
Restore Chewing Function: Missing teeth significantly impact your ability to chew properly. Partial dentures restore 60-70% of normal chewing efficiency, allowing you to enjoy a varied diet.
Improve Speech: Gaps from missing teeth can affect pronunciation and speech clarity. Partial dentures help restore normal speech patterns and confidence in social situations.
Cost-Effective Solution: Compared to dental implants or fixed bridges, partial dentures offer an affordable way to replace multiple missing teeth.
Facial Support: Missing teeth can cause facial collapse and premature aging. Partial dentures provide support for your lips and cheeks, maintaining facial structure.
Types of Partial Dentures Available in Durham
Acrylic Partial Dentures
Made with a pink acrylic base that matches your gums, these are the most affordable option. They're ideal for temporary use or when budget is a primary concern.
Cast Metal Partial Dentures
Featuring a lightweight, strong metal framework, these partial dentures are more durable and comfortable than acrylic options. The metal framework is less noticeable and provides better retention.
Flexible Partial Dentures
Made from flexible, tooth-colored materials, these partial dentures blend naturally with your gums. They're comfortable, aesthetic, and don't require metal clasps.
Implant-Supported Partial Dentures
For enhanced stability, partial dentures can be supported by dental implants. This option provides the best function and prevents bone loss in the jaw.
Understanding the difference between full and partial dentures helps you make informed decisions about your tooth replacement options.
The Partial Denture Process at Local Start Dental
Step 1: Comprehensive Examination
Our team evaluates your oral health, remaining teeth condition, and gum health. We may recommend tooth extractions if damaged teeth need removal before denture fabrication.
Step 2: Treatment Planning
We discuss your needs, lifestyle, and budget to determine the best partial denture type. Digital impressions and bite registration ensure accurate fit and function.
Step 3: Preparation (If Needed)
If you have damaged teeth requiring extraction, we'll perform this procedure first. Learn more about what to expect during tooth extraction recovery.
Step 4: Impressions and Measurements
Detailed impressions of your mouth are taken to create your custom partial denture. Multiple measurements ensure proper fit and comfortable function.
Step 5: Try-In and Adjustments
Before final fabrication, you'll try in your partial denture to check fit, comfort, and appearance. Adjustments are made as needed for optimal results.
Step 6: Final Delivery and Instructions
Your completed partial denture is delivered with detailed care instructions. We ensure proper fit and teach you insertion, removal, and cleaning techniques.
Cost of Partial Dentures in Durham, NC
Based on Local Start Dental's fee schedule, custom-made acrylic partial dentures range from $566 to $1,375 per arch. This affordable pricing includes:
Comprehensive examination and consultation
Digital impressions and bite registration
Custom denture fabrication
Multiple fitting appointments
Follow-up adjustments as needed
Cost Comparison:
Acrylic Partial Dentures: $566-$1,375 per arch
Cast Metal Partial Dentures: Pricing available upon consultation
Flexible Partial Dentures: Pricing available upon consultation
Implant-Supported Partial Dentures: $5,900-$10,900 per arch
Financial Assistance and Payment Options
At Local Start Dental, we understand that dental expenses can be challenging. As a nonprofit organization, we offer:
Sliding Scale Fees: Our slide scale is based on our application and proof of household income for qualifying patients.
Flexible Financing Options: Our team can help you set up a payment plan that meets your financial situation through Proceed Finance and CareCredit.
NC Medicaid: Our office gladly accepts NC Medicaid that includes the appropriate dental coverage.
Insurance: While we do not work with private dental insurance directly such as Humana, BCBS, or Aetna, we can provide necessary records for claim submission. In combination with our sliding scale, this can result in maximized savings for our patients.
Learn more about affordable dentures in North Carolina and our commitment to accessible care.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Partial Dentures?
Ideal Candidates
Patients missing one or more teeth but retaining some natural teeth
Those seeking an affordable tooth replacement option
Patients with healthy gums and adequate bone support
Individuals committed to proper oral hygiene maintenance
Special Considerations
Remaining teeth must be healthy enough to support partial denture clasps
Adequate gum health is essential for comfortable denture wear
Realistic expectations about function and maintenance requirements
Commitment to regular dental visits for adjustments and monitoring
For patients with specific needs, back teeth partial dentures may be recommended to restore chewing function in posterior areas.
Caring for Your Partial Dentures
Daily Maintenance
Proper Cleaning: Remove your partial dentures daily and clean with denture brushes and specialized cleaners. Avoid regular toothpaste, which can be abrasive.
Overnight Storage: Store your partial dentures in denture solution or water to prevent warping and maintain shape.
Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing your remaining natural teeth daily. Clean your gums and tongue where the denture rests.
Handle with Care: Always handle your partial dentures over a soft surface or basin of water to prevent damage if dropped.
Professional Maintenance
Regular dental checkups every 6 months
Professional cleaning of your partial dentures
Adjustments as your mouth changes over time
Monitoring of remaining natural teeth health
For comprehensive care instructions, refer to our guide on caring for your new dentures daily.
Why Local Start Dental for Partial Dentures?
Nonprofit Mission
As a nonprofit organization, Local Start Dental prioritizes accessible dental care for the Durham community. Our denture services for low-income patients ensure quality care regardless of financial circumstances.
Prosthodontic Expertise
Our specialized prosthodontic training ensures optimal partial denture design and fit. We understand the complex relationship between remaining teeth, gums, and partial denture function.
Comprehensive Care
From initial consultation through long-term maintenance, we provide complete partial denture care. Our general dentistry services support your overall oral health.
Student Training Program
Our supervised dental student training program provides meticulous care while training future dental professionals, helping keep costs affordable while maintaining quality.
Common Partial Denture Concerns
Adjustment Period
New partial denture wearers typically experience a 2-4 week adjustment period. Initial discomfort, increased saliva production, and speech changes are normal and temporary.
Eating with Partial Dentures
Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Gradually introduce firmer foods as you become comfortable. Avoid sticky or hard foods that could damage your partial denture. Learn about foods to avoid when wearing dentures.
Speech Changes
Initial speech difficulties are common but typically resolve within a few weeks. Practice reading aloud and speaking slowly until you adjust to your partial dentures.
Denture Repairs
Partial dentures can break or need adjustments over time. Local Start Dental provides prompt repair services to minimize time without your denture.
When Partial Dentures Aren't Suitable
Some situations may require alternative treatments:
Insufficient Remaining Teeth: If you have too few healthy teeth to support a partial denture, missing tooth replacement options like implants or complete dentures may be better.
Severe Gum Disease: Active periodontal disease must be treated before partial denture placement to ensure proper fit and oral health.
Frequent Tooth Loss: If you're experiencing ongoing tooth loss, it may be more practical to consider complete dentures or implant-supported options.
If you're experiencing signs of dental problems, learn about 3 signs you need a tooth pulled to address issues before they affect your partial denture treatment.
Partial Dentures vs. Immediate Solutions
Conventional Partial Dentures
Made after any necessary extractions have healed completely, conventional partial dentures provide the best fit and function.
Immediate Partial Dentures
Placed immediately after tooth extraction, these provide immediate tooth replacement but require more adjustments as healing progresses. Learn more about temporary dentures and their applications.
External Resources
For additional information about partial denture care and oral health maintenance, the American Dental Association provides comprehensive resources about removable prosthetics, oral hygiene practices, and maintaining oral health with partial dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do partial dentures cost in Durham, NC?
At Local Start Dental, custom-made acrylic partial dentures range from $566-$1,375 per arch. We offer sliding scale fees based on income and flexible financing through Proceed Finance and CareCredit to make treatment accessible for Durham residents.
How long do partial dentures last?
With proper care, partial dentures typically last 5-8 years before needing replacement. Regular dental visits and proper maintenance can extend their lifespan, while changes in your mouth may require adjustments or relining.
Can I sleep with my partial dentures?
While possible, dentists recommend removing partial dentures at night to allow your gums and remaining teeth to rest. This practice promotes better oral health, reduces bacterial buildup, and extends denture lifespan.
Will partial dentures affect my speech?
Initially, you may experience minor speech changes as you adjust to your partial dentures. Most patients adapt within 2-4 weeks. Practice speaking and reading aloud to speed up the adjustment process.
How do I clean my partial dentures?
Remove your partial dentures daily and clean with denture brushes and specialized cleaners. Soak overnight in denture solution, and continue regular oral hygiene for your remaining natural teeth and gums.
Why choose Local Start Dental for partial dentures in Durham?
Local Start Dental combines prosthodontic expertise with nonprofit affordability. Our Durham practice offers sliding scale fees, comprehensive care, and supervised training programs that ensure quality results at accessible prices for Triangle area residents.
Can partial dentures be repaired if they break?
Yes, most partial denture repairs can be completed promptly. Local Start Dental provides repair services and can often fix minor issues quickly. More extensive repairs may require sending the denture to our laboratory.
What's the difference between partial and full dentures?
Partial dentures replace some missing teeth while preserving remaining natural teeth, while full dentures replace all teeth in an arch. Partial dentures use clasps or precision attachments to stay in place, whereas full dentures rely on suction and adhesives.
Schedule Your Partial Denture Consultation Today
Ready to transform your smile with partial dentures in Durham, NC? Local Start Dental offers consultations to evaluate your specific needs and explain how partial dentures can restore your oral function and confidence. Our experienced team will assess your case and discuss all available tooth replacement options.
Don't let missing teeth affect your quality of life any longer. Call Local Start Dental at 919.569.5533 or contact us online today to schedule your consultation and discover how partial dentures can transform your smile.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment outcomes may vary based on oral health conditions, number of missing teeth, remaining tooth health, and other factors. Cost estimates are based on Local Start Dental's current fee schedule for the Durham, NC area and may vary based on individual treatment needs and insurance coverage. Treatment success depends on patient compliance with oral hygiene maintenance, regular dental visits, and proper denture care. Partial dentures require periodic adjustments and eventual replacement as part of normal maintenance. Local Start Dental recommends scheduling a consultation for personalized treatment planning and accurate cost estimates. Patients should discuss all risks, benefits, and alternatives with their prosthodontist before beginning treatment.
