Partial dentures are an economical way to replace missing teeth. They can replace anywhere from one (1) to several teeth, depending on the situation. They are not as natural feeling as some of the other “fixed” options, such as implants or bridges, because they come in and out of the mouth, can trap food, and can shift slightly during chewing and speaking. For someone who cannot afford a “fixed” option, however, partial dentures serve as a viable option to restore a patient’s bite and smile into health. Partial dentures can also serve to “hold the space” for a future implant or bridge. This is an important function as many teeth tend to shift into an adjacent empty space, limiting the amount of space needed for an implant or bridge without additional treatment. Dr. Thompson offers both conventional partial dentures and also metal-free partial dentures.