Pediatric Partial Denture

A kids’ partial denture, often called a “pedo partial” or “space maintainer with teeth,” is a removable appliance designed to replace one or more missing baby teeth. Your child might need one if they’ve lost a tooth prematurely due to decay, trauma (common in areas like Beverly Hills with active kids!), or if a permanent tooth is congenitally missing. It helps maintain proper chewing function, speech development, and importantly, holds space for the future permanent tooth to erupt correctly.

Yes, toddlers can get pediatric partial dentures to replace missing teeth and assist with eating, speaking, and maintaining proper oral development.

Yes, a 4-year-old can get pediatric partial dentures if they have missing teeth, to aid in speech, chewing, and maintaining space for future permanent teeth.

Kids can get partial dentures at various ages, generally once they’ve lost a primary tooth and before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. Our Beverly Hills pediatric dentists at Little Smiles will assess your child’s individual needs and dental development to determine the optimal time.

The process typically involves taking impressions (molds) of your child’s mouth. These impressions are then sent to a dental lab, where the custom partial denture is fabricated. Once it’s ready, we’ll carefully fit it in our Beverly Hills office to ensure it’s comfortable and fits securely.

Yes, most children adapt very well to eating with a partial denture. We’ll provide specific instructions on what foods to avoid initially and how to care for the appliance to ensure durability. They’ll be able to enjoy their favorite snacks from local Beverly Hills Farmers Market with confidence!

It’s crucial to clean the partial denture daily, just like natural teeth. We’ll show you and your child how to brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner. It should be removed for cleaning and often at night. Proper care ensures the longevity of the appliance and good oral hygiene for your child, crucial for healthy smiles right here in Southern California.

 We strive to make all our dental appliances as comfortable as possible. There might be a short adjustment period, but most children quickly get used to wearing their partial. In fact, if missing teeth were affecting speech, the partial denture can often help improve pronunciation and clarity, benefiting them in school and social settings around Beverly Hills.

The duration of wear depends on your child’s individual dental development and when the permanent tooth is expected to erupt. We will regularly monitor your child’s progress during their routine check-ups at our Beverly Hills pediatric dental office to determine the appropriate time to discontinue use.

In some cases, if space maintenance is the only concern and no teeth are missing, other types of space maintainers might be considered. However, if actual teeth are missing, a partial denture is often the best solution to restore function and aesthetics. We’ll discuss all viable options during your consultation at Little Smiles of Beverly Hills.

The cost of a kids’ partial denture can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the materials used. We recommend scheduling a consultation at our Beverly Hills location so we can provide a personalized treatment plan and discuss financing options, including working with your dental insurance.

At Little Smiles of Beverly Hills, we specialize in gentle, compassionate pediatric dentistry. Our experienced team understands the unique needs of children and uses the latest techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes. We’re proud to serve the Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and West Los Angeles communities, providing top-tier dental care for your little ones.