Reviewed by: Dr. Paul Rubin, DDS
Premature tooth loss can disrupt your child’s smile, speech, and dental development.
A pediatric partial denture replaces missing baby teeth, supports natural growth, and helps maintain a confident, beautiful smile.
In this blog, you will learn about pediatric partial dentures and when and why your child might need them.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Your child may need a pediatric partial denture when they lose baby teeth too early due to decay, injury, or congenital conditions. This custom-made dental solution keeps space open for permanent teeth, prevents teeth from shifting, supports oral development, and restores both speech clarity and a confident smile.
What is a Pediatric Partial Denture?
A pediatric partial denture (or Pedi-Partial) is a custom-made dental appliance that replaces missing baby teeth.
Also called a Groper appliance or pediatric denture, it replaces lost baby teeth to help maintain proper spacing for permanent teeth while supporting normal oral functions like chewing and speaking.
Unlike adult partials, which replace lost adult teeth, kids partials focus on preserving space and function in children whose permanent teeth are still developing.
They are typically made of acrylic material with metal parts to provide reinforcement and keep the appliance securely in place.
Why Young Children May Need Pediatric Partials
Though rare, children may need partial dentures in situations such as:
- Malformed or missing teeth from birth
- Tooth loss due to accidents or trauma
- Tooth decay requiring premature extraction
- Infections or gum inflammation leading to tooth loss
Not sure what’s normal and what’s not? Check out this blog: When Do Kids Lose Their Teeth? What’s Normal, What’s Not
Types of Pediatric Partials and When They Are Needed
Common types of pediatric partials include:
- Removable pediatric partial dentures: Have an artificial tooth component attached to a metal band or acrylic base, allowing easy removal for cleaning.
- Fixed partial dentures: Secured using a metal framework for added stability.
- Space maintainers: Simple appliances designed to hold space for permanent teeth without artificial teeth.
Benefits of Pediatric Partials
Partial dentures provide many benefits for your child’s oral health and dental development:
- Restores a beautiful smile: Boosts self-esteem and prevents social discomfort.
- Maintains proper alignment: Prevents dental drift and crooked teeth.
- Supports age-appropriate facial appearance: Ensures proper tissue development and jaw growth.
- Improves dietary habits: Allows better chewing, aiding nutritional benefits.
- Enhances speech clarity: Assists with proper speech development.
How Pediatric Partials Are Made
Creating a partial denture involves these steps:
- Examine the child’s oral health: The dentist assesses the child’s dental health and checks for missing teeth.
- Take digital scans and bite impressions: Advanced imaging captures the child’s bite and tooth structure.
- Create a special mold: A custom mold is prepared to design the partial denture for a precise fit.
- Fabricate the partial denture: The mold is sent to the dental lab where specialists use house fabricator technology to craft the denture.
- Fit the denture: The completed partial is carefully placed in the child’s mouth, and adjustments are made for comfort and proper alignment.
Caring for Pediatric Partial Dentures
Proper care ensures long-term success:
- Daily cleaning: Use a denture-cleaning solution and a soft brush.
- Avoid sugary foods: Limit sugary foods to prevent decay.
- Storage: Keep removable pedi-partials in a clean case.
- Regular dental visits: Ensure professional checks for adjustments.
Cost Considerations
The cost of partials varies based on:
- Materials used (acrylic, metal components)
- Number of teeth replaced
- Method of creation and technology involved
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry: Your Pediatric Dentists in Prosper, TX
At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Prosper, TX, we offer pediatric partials to replace lost front baby teeth.
Our experienced pediatric dentists Dr. Rubin, Dr. Sentelle, and Dr. Ashley, are here to help with your child’s dental needs.
Contact our Prosper pediatric dental office today for a personalized consultation. Call (469) 228-4402 or visit us at 240 S. Preston Road, Suite 10, Prosper, TX. Let us help your child achieve a healthy, happy smile with expert pediatric dental care!
Additional Resources
Learn more about your child’s dental health: