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Missing teeth are a dental issue that, whenever possible, should be fixed. This is because while having confidence in your smile is very important, missing teeth may also cause additional dental issues, such as an uneven bite, which can eventually lead to tooth decay.

One possible solution for missing teeth is a partial denture. A partial denture functions similarly to regular (or a full set) dentures, except that it can attach to the natural teeth you still have on the upper or lower part of your gums.

Read on for what you need to know about partial dentures, and whether they might be right for you.

A partial denture is used to replace one or multiple missing teeth, and can solve both the functional (chewing and biting) and the aesthetic (appearance) issue of having one or a few missing teeth, says Matt Asaro, D.D.S., a general dentist practicing in Barrington, Rhode Island.

This type of dental appliance typically contains one or several false teeth that rest on a plastic or metal base that’s colored pink to match the roof of your mouth. Partial dentures are removable and require regular cleaning; they are not designed to be a permanent fixture in your mouth like dental implants.

Dentures can even help in cases where an individual has multiple missing teeth. “If someone is missing multiple teeth in different areas of the mouth, the partial denture can be designed to clasp onto the neighboring teeth and fill in all of the missing areas,” says Dr. Asaro.

Though there are many differences between partial dentures and dental implants, the biggest difference is that partial dentures are removable and implants are not. “Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. They feel and function just like our natural teeth [and] are never removed,” explains Dr. Asaro.

There are a few reasons why someone may not be a great candidate for implants, continues Dr. Asaro, and may opt for dentures instead. These reasons include:

There are two types of partial dentures that people can typically choose from, according to Dr. Asaro.

Your dentist can help you make an informed decision about which type of partial denture is best for you. Because your existing bone structure plays a role in whether partial dentures will work for you, your dentist will perform an exam to determine the condition of your mouth before deciding on a course of treatment.

Individuals who only have a few missing teeth, or those that have the majority of their natural teeth in healthy conditions, are more likely to benefit from a partial denture instead of a full replacement set.

“It’s always advised to save as many of your natural teeth as possible,” says Dr. Asarao. “Partial dentures also have good retention because we use the natural teeth to anchor the partial denture so it doesn’t move around as much during chewing.”

Those who need a denture appliance of any sort can expect a series of appointments with their dentist before the process is complete. A breakdown of the different steps involved with getting partial dentures is below:

The first step is a comprehensive exam to determine the condition of a person’s mouth. “A comprehensive exam is always recommended prior to fabricating partial dentures because it’s always best to remove any active dental disease from the mouth first,” explains Dr. Asaro.

During the exam, a dentist will take careful note of the patient’s edentulous ridge, or the area of the mouth where the partial denture is to be replacing the missing teeth. “There should be no root tips or sharp, bony protuberances which could cause irritation or sore spots once the partial denture is fabricated,” says Dr. Asaro.

Once the exam is over, your dentist will most likely schedule a minor surgical procedure to remove any tooth remnants, such as root tips or those aforementioned bony areas. Just like any other dental procedure such as a filling, crown or root canal, this minor surgery will require local anesthesia and perhaps some planning around transportation to and from the dental office.

After an individual’s mouth has healed from the surgical removal of any remaining tooth fragments, it’s time to have the denture appliance made. “This process begins with a series of custom impressions along with a wax rim try-in, which establishes the correct bite,” says Dr. Asaro. This important step makes it more likely that the partial dentures will fit correctly and feel comfortable.

Finally, patients will have a try-on appointment, says Dr. Asaro, which verifies the correct size, shape and color for the actual teeth, and then ends in a final delivery. “There are always a few adjustment appointments in the weeks following the final delivery to adjust any sore spots which almost always occur for patients,” says Dr. Asaro.

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Dentistry is not cheap, and even partial dentures can cost thousands of dollars. But the cost is still significantly less expensive than dental implants, explains Dr. Asaro.

“The cost of partial dentures varies depending on where you go and the quality of the laboratory and experience of the provider,” he says. “But in general, a fee between $1,000 and $4,000 is the typical range for a set of partial dentures.”

Many insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost of partial dentures. You should check your individual plan to see if it covers restorative care. Many dental insurance plans will cover 50% of the cost, but it’s important to remember that co-pays and deductibles will vary by plan, and could impact the bottom line as well.

Additionally, many dental insurance plans operate by placing a yearly limit on the amount that can be covered, and this is often a per-patient limit. So if you need partial dentures but have already undergone extensive dental work in the same calendar year, you may find that your insurance company won’t cover the partial dentures at all.

It’s a good idea to contact your  dental insurance plan to get a clear understanding of the costs involved before opting in to the procedure.

The answer depends on where you live. Residents of some states who are on Medicaid do receive dental benefits that include at least some provision for dentures. Other states, like Alabama, offer no dental benefits at all for adults on Medicaid.

The Center for Health Care Strategies provides a helpful state-by-state guide to dental benefits provided by Medicaid.

Traditional partial dentures are removable, which means you have to take them out every evening to clean them, says Dr. Asaro.

Home care for removable partial dentures involves removing and thoroughly cleaning the dentures with a soft- to medium-bristled toothbrush. Over-the-counter denture cleaning tablets are helpful as well.

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Partial dentures not only add aesthetic value, they can help restore a person’s bite, which can enhance quality of life by making eating and drinking easier and more comfortable.

Minor drawbacks of partial dentures include irritation to the gums and clasps failing to offer a secure feel. Partial dentures also require regular cleaning and may need to be readjusted as time goes on. Since they are made with acrylic material that can become worn down faster than natural teeth, partial dentures may also need to be replaced over time. But all things considered—including the lower cost relative to other, more expensive dental procedures (such as implants)—partial dentures can be a good option for someone hoping to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of their mouth.

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Christin Perry is a freelance writer with a passion for all topics related to health and family. She has been working as a writer for seven years now, and her work has appeared in Parents, The Bump, VeryWell Family, Parade and Teen Vogue. When she's not writing, Christin enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids, walking, baking and reading. And of course, shopping.

Dr. Mauro Nunes has an extensive 26-year background in restorative dentistry and currently teaches full-time at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry in the division of comprehensive oral health, specializing in operative dentistry and biomaterials. His areas of interest include dentin and enamel adhesives, composite resins and tooth whitening systems.