Full Dentures vs. Partial Dentures: Which is Right for You?
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dentures are a popular and effective solution. However, not all dentures are created equal. Full dentures and partial dentures are two different types of dentures that are designed to meet different needs. If you have never had dentures fitted for your mouth before, you might be a bit confused as to the difference between the two and which option you should go for. Before you make up your mind, you should always talk to your dentist; however, it never hurts to know a bit more about the two different types so you can get a feel for which one will most likely be right for you.
Initial Differences
Full dentures are used to replace a full set of missing upper or lower teeth. They are designed to sit on the gums and are held in place by suction or denture adhesive. Partial dentures are used to replace a few missing teeth. They are designed to fit around the remaining natural teeth and are held in place by clasps or precision attachments. This makes full dentures much more common for older Australians or those who have had a serious tooth disease or been in a serious accident, while partial dentures are common for younger people who have only had issues with a few teeth.
Maintenance
Full dentures need to be removed and cleaned every day, and they may need to be relined or replaced over time. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are more stable and do not need to be removed as often. However, they may need to be adjusted or remade if your remaining natural teeth shift over time. In general, full dentures have a more regular maintenance workload simply because there are more of them, and you need to ensure that they all remain in good condition or they can deteriorate quickly. However, the comfort and benefits they provide more than make up for this added maintenance work.
Aesthetics
Full dentures can provide a natural-looking smile and can help to improve the overall appearance of your face. Partial dentures, on the other hand, may not be as aesthetically pleasing as full dentures as they may be visible when you talk or smile, and people can see the slight difference between the dentures and your real teeth. Because a full set of dentures has no real teeth around them, they are almost impossible to spot unless you have training in this field.
For more information about full dentures, contact a local dental office.
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