The Difference Between Complete Dentures and Partial Dentures

Are you facing the need for tooth replacement? Do you know the difference between complete dentures and partial dentures? Knowing these differences, which type of dental appliance is right for your needs? Also, are other options available beyond dentures?

Full dentures and partials have worked for a high percentage of the population toward tooth replacement for thousands of years. But today’s full dentures and partials prove more comfortable and natural looking than ever before. No longer must we give into having wooden teeth, like President George Washington.

So what is the difference between complete dentures and partial dentures? Which ones meet your needs best? Despite both types being dentures, they actually have many variations and meet very different needs.

Difference Between Complete Dentures and Partial Dentures

The first major difference between complete dentures and partial dentures is that complete or full dentures replace all of your natural teeth. Partials, on the other hand, only replace some of your teeth.

To undergo fitting of complete dentures, you cannot leave healthy natural teeth in place. This means you must undergo a dental examination and tooth extraction before being fitted or wearing your new set of teeth. Your full dentures come out when you go to sleep and for daily oral hygiene. When you take them out, you brush them using special cleaning agents and soak them to keep the plastic moist overnight.

Full dentures provide a very natural look. So no one needs to know you wear them. They also feel quite comfortable. You just place them into your mouth over your gums and they suction into place.

Partial dentures only replace one or more missing teeth in a row. Like full dentures, these represent your gums and missing teeth. But the appliance is much smaller, fitting only where you need gaps filled between natural teeth. The partial denture clasps to adjacent teeth on each side of the gap.

Which Type of Dentures Suit your Needs?

Learning about the differences between partial dentures and full dentures does not tell you which suits your needs best. You also have other options for teeth replacement, such as dental implants. To understand which method and appliance serve your needs best, visit your dentist near Phoenix for an examination and consultation.

Other dental services you need from a quality dentist include:

• General dentistry
• Preventive dentistry
• Restorative dentistry
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Sedation dentistry

Call Marketplace Dental Excellence in Queen Creek, Arizona for more information about the difference between complete dentures and partial dentures, in the context of your own needs. Learn about dental implants as an option and get on track with the quality dentistry you need on a twice-yearly basis. Schedule your appointment near the Phoenix airport now by calling 480.545.8700.