Partial or Full Dentures: Which Is for You?

Dentures are removable oral appliances that can replace some or all of a person's teeth. Partial and full dentures are among the most widely used tooth replacement options. If you are considering this smile restoration option and are wondering if you should consider full or partial dentures, here are some helpful things to know.

Benefits of dentures

Dentures can help restore the form and function of your mouth after tooth loss. Additional benefits of dentures include:

• Versatility. Can replace one, many, or all teeth.
• Cost-effectiveness. Tends to be a less expensive tooth replacement solution.
• Minimally invasive. Requires little to no surgery.
• Custom-made. Carefully designed to fit the patient.

In addition, modern technology has improved dentures to the point where they are more natural-looking and comfortable than they were decades ago.

Types of dentures

Here is a closer look at the two main types of dentures:

Full dentures

Full dentures replace both the top and bottom arches of teeth. The traditional full denture is typically made from an acrylic base to match the color of the patient's gums and porcelain for the replacement teeth. They are held in the mouth through a combination of suction and oral structures. However, some patients use special adhesives to hold their dentures in place.

Partial dentures

As the name suggests, partial dentures can replace one to several teeth. They also rely on the patient's oral structures for support and have metal clasps that attach to their remaining natural teeth for added stability. They are usually composed of an acrylic base, porcelain teeth, and metal clasps.

Deciding which is for you

In general, if the patient still has healthy gums and a number of healthy teeth, they should probably consider a partial denture. However, if a patient is missing all their teeth or their remaining teeth are not healthy, their dentist may recommend removing any remaining teeth and opting for a full denture. Ultimately, patients should consult a dentist when deciding on a denture type. The dentist will thoroughly examine the patient's teeth, gums, and oral structures and advise them on the most appropriate option.

Caring for your dentures

No matter which option the patient chooses, denture care will become an important part of their routine. This includes continuing with regular dental appointments, where the dentist will check the health of the patient's gums, remaining teeth, and jawbone. In addition, the dentist can make any adjustments to the denture, as the fit of the appliance will change over time.

Cleaning and care instructions will vary depending on the denture. Both full and partial dentures are removed for cleaning and should be brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive soap or a special denture cleaning solution. Patients will receive detailed care instructions along with their new dentures. Following these directions can help keep the dentures in good condition.