Dentures are artificial replacements of natural teeth that help people maintain their health, aesthetics and function when they have lost some or all of their teeth. Partial and full dentures can provide significant benefits for individuals who want to restore the form and function of their smile. But how do you know which denture type is right for your needs? In this article, we take a closer look at partial and complete dentures so you can make an informed decision about your dental care.
Types of dentures
When it comes to denture types, there are two main options: partial dentures and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain in the mouth, while complete dentures completely replace all teeth in one or both jaws.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures are removable dental prosthetics that fit around existing natural teeth to replace those that have been lost. They usually consist of a pink base made from acrylic resin and artificial replacement teeth attached to metal frames or clasps. These dentures must be accurately fitted to the remaining teeth and gums to ensure a secure fit.
Full dentures
Complete dentures are dentures that replace all of the teeth in one or both jaws. They consist of a base made from acrylic resin and artificial replacement teeth mounted on the upper and lower arches. Full dentures can either be complete dentures, which fit onto the gums without any other support, or overdentures, which are secured to remaining natural teeth by clasps or dental implants.
Advantages of dentures
Dentures provide many advantages, including improved aesthetics, better chewing and speaking abilities, increased confidence and improved facial structure. Partial dentures help to protect existing natural teeth from further damage, while full dentures completely restore a patient’s smile. Wearers may experience the improved taste and smell sensations depending on their denture type.
Choosing the suitable denture for you
When choosing the fitting denture, there are several factors to consider, including your budget, lifestyle and overall health. Partial dentures are usually more affordable than complete dentures, but they require additional maintenance and may only last for a short time. Full dentures provide a more secure fit and can closely resemble natural teeth in shape, size and colour. However, they require more adjustment time and can be pretty expensive.
Factors to consider when choosing dentures
When deciding between partial and complete dentures, it’s essential to consider your lifestyle and budget. Partial dentures are usually less expensive and require less time for adjustments. They are also easier to remove for cleaning and maintenance. On the other hand, complete dentures provide a more secure fit and can be made to closely resemble natural teeth in terms of shape, size and color.
Benefits of dentures
Dentures can significantly improve your quality of life by restoring the aesthetics, function and health of your smile. They can help you regain the ability to chew food properly, which is essential for good nutrition and overall health. Additionally, dentures can help restore facial structure that has been lost due to tooth loss or gum disease.
Downsides of dentures
The main downside of dentures is that they may require frequent adjustments to ensure a secure fit and comfortable bite. Additionally, dentures may cause mouth irritation and sore spots if not fitted properly. In some cases, dentures can also affect the taste and smell sensations experienced by denture wearers, which can be unpleasant for some people.
Conclusion:
Overall, partial and complete dentures provide excellent benefits for individuals who want to restore the form and function of their smile. When choosing between these two types of dentures, it’s essential to consider your lifestyle, budget and overall health needs to make an informed decision about the denture best suited for you.
FAQs
- What are the advantages of dentures?
Dentures provide many advantages, including improved aesthetics, better chewing and speaking abilities, increased confidence and improved facial structure. Wearers may experience enhanced taste and smell sensations depending on their denture type.
- Is it more expensive to get complete dentures than partial dentures?
Complete dentures are expensive compared to partial dentures, but they provide a more secure fit and closely resemble natural teeth in shape, size and color.
- How often do dentures need to be adjusted?
Dentures typically require adjustment every six to twelve months to ensure a secure fit and comfortable bite.