Comparing Partial and Full Dentures

Dentures have long been a symbol of effective tooth replacement, and as such, have helped countless patients regain their quality of life by restoring their ability to chew and speak correctly. However, not every patient who has lost teeth has lost enough of them to warrant full dentures, which are designed to replace all of the teeth on your upper or lower dental ridge. Today, we compare partial and full dentures, and the severities of tooth loss that they can address.

When You’ve Lost All of Your Teeth

Full dentures consist of a complete row of replacement teeth, usually crafted from durable dental porcelain that is specially layered to mimic your natural teeth. The replacement teeth sit on a gum-colored plastic base that’s secured to your gums with an advanced dental adhesive. In the case of upper dentures, the suction created by the concave roof of your mouth also serves to hold them in place.

When You Still Retain Some of Your Teeth

Like full dentures, partials restore multiple lost teeth, but are designed to fit around the healthy teeth that remain. Partials can also be crafted from lifelike dental porcelain that’s tinted and layered to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth. Traditionally, partials are secured using hidden clasps, or you can ask your dentist about securing yours to a series of dental implants. Surgically inserted into your jawbone, implants are prosthetic tooth roots that can support your dentures or partials as securely as natural tooth roots hold your healthy teeth.

Could You Benefit from a Partial or Full Denture?

If you’ve lost several or all of your teeth, then regain your confidence by replacing them with a partial or full denture. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your dentist by calling Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, today at (641) 628-1121.