What is the Difference Between Partial and Full Dentures?

Missing teeth can affect a person’s chewing and biting efficiency, their ability to speak properly, and the way their smile looks. Whether natural teeth are missing due to trauma, disease, or extraction, restoring a patient’s smile is important for several reasons. In some cases, surrounding teeth may shift to compensate for the space, while other times, patients may need the teeth in order to bite or chew their food more effectively.

When considering tooth restorations, patients have a variety of options. Some may consider dental implants, which are permanent restorations that are surgically placed into the jawbone and topped with a crown to act as a false tooth. Another consideration may be dental bridges, which are restorations that utilize the surrounding teeth to support a false tooth in the middle. However, for some, dentures in Knoxville, TN may be the best option for them.

Depending on the number of teeth missing, patients may be suitable candidates for either partial dentures or full dentures. Both replace missing teeth, but do so in a different way. The primary difference between partial dentures and full dentures is that partial dentures replace one or several teeth within an arch, while full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. Patients who are missing more teeth may find that full dentures are more effective for their situation than partials.

Partials fit into the mouth with metal, similar to the way a retainer is worn. It snaps into place and fits tightly, using the surrounding teeth as support. It does not require dental adhesives to stay in place. Full dentures, however, use suction to stay in place, and dental adhesives can improve the contact the dentures have with the patient’s gums. Some patients who struggle with ill-fitting dentures that shift out of place may find relief in implant-supported dentures, which utilize dental implants to keep them in place and improve the strength and durability of the full dentures.

Are you considering tooth replacement options? Do you think that dental bridges and dental implants are not right for you? Do you feel as though learning more about dentures will help you make a more educated decision regarding your cosmetic dentistry? If so, it may be time to call Dr. Foncea of Sequoyah Dental Arts and learn about the various options available to improve the appearance and efficiency of your smile.

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