Full Dentures vs Partial Dentures: Which Is Better?

Are you going through feelings of frustration and emotional tolls due to one or more missing teeth? Gaps impact more than a smile; they sabotage the entire oral function. It could be due to any reason, like an injury, tooth decay or cavities, or just a natural aging process. If you lost a tooth for any reason, getting it fixed by a professional dentist is the only solution and path to relief. 

The thought of complicated dental procedures like root canals and oral surgeries may seem daunting. Fortunately, there are non-invasive options, like complete and partial tooth replacements. So why dentures? Because they fix the gaps and protect you from the fears of complex dental processes.

They are affordable and readily available to replace missing teeth. But how long do dentures last? For those looking for a more permanent solution, implant dentures can be one option, too. So, let us break down the differences and options for a permanent replacement of the missing teeth for a fuller and brighter smile.

What Are Full Dentures?

What are full dentures, and what are they made from? These dental prosthetics are made of acrylic or porcelain, an oral health-friendly option. They are removable wearable devices to take charge in place of your missing teeth. They cover the entire jaw. Dentists recommend getting full dentures if a patient has no remaining tooth in the maxillary or mandibular jaws.

They resuscitate basic functions like chewing and speaking and help keep your face from looking sunken. They don’t anchor to the jawbone, so they may need occasional adjustments, but they’re still a solid, affordable option for replacing all your teeth.

Benefits of Complete Tooth Replacements:

• Restore chewing and speaking ability
• Improve facial aesthetics and support
• Cost-effective compared to dental implants
• Made from natural-looking, durable materials
• Custom-fitted for comfort and function

What Are Partial Dentures?

Just like full dentures, partial ones are removable, too. These dental prosthetics are useful when you have one or more missing teeth in any of the jaws, but the condition is your jaw has some of the remaining healthy teeth. 

The core purpose of partially fitting dentures is to preserve the ones that remain and avoid jawbone slippage. These are recommended for patients who have healthy teeth. They protect alignment and prevent shifting of the nearby teeth. 

Partial ones hold onto your jaw with metal clasps to anchor firmly to the adjacent natural teeth. If only a few teeth are missing in your jaw, then these fit your needs.

Benefits of Partially-Fitting Tooth Replacements:

• Maintain alignment by preventing natural teeth from shifting
• Removable for easy cleaning and better oral hygiene
• Custom-fit for a natural look and comfortable wear
• Less invasive than implants and more affordable
• Help restore chewing function and improve speech

Key Differences Between Full and Partial Dentures

Given the benefits and utility of both types of dentures, it is already crystal clear, like fresh teeth after teeth whitening, that both are suited for different patients and different situations. They deal with different kinds of restorations, functions, and appearances. 

What should a patient choose: partial or full? It might seem very obvious, given the differences, but the choice, as a patient,  is dependent on factors like how many teeth are missing, the current status of jawbone health, and oral hygiene. The utility is the same for improving your oral function and speaking and chewing abilities. 

The key differences between full & partial tooth replacements are described in detail below:

1. Coverage 

Full Dentures: They tend to replace all teeth in an arch, reviving oral function, appearance, and health.

Partial Dentures: These replace missing teeth, filling gaps and preserving natural teeth with a secure fit.

2. Fitting Ability

Full Dentures: They rely on suction or adhesives for stability and might require fitting adjustments due to changes in gums and jawbone structure.

Partial Dentures: These are anchored by natural teeth with clasps or a framework, offering better stability and comfort with minimal shifting.

3. Jawbone Health

Full Dentures: They do not stimulate the jawbone, potentially causing bone loss and changes in facial appearance, requiring adjustments as the jawbone shrinks over time

Partial Dentures: These support natural teeth, helping preserve jawbone health and reduce bone loss, maintaining jaw structure and the stability of remaining teeth.

4. Appearance

Full Dentures: They cover the entire arch, restoring both aesthetics and function, with modern materials offering a more realistic appearance, though they may be slightly more noticeable.

Partial Dentures: These blend with natural teeth for a discreet look, with clasps minimized in design, preserving a balanced and natural-looking smile.

Pros & Cons of Full & Partial Dentures

Both full and partial dentures effectively restore missing teeth, but suitability varies by individual. Factors like gum health, jaw condition, and extent of tooth loss play a key role. A consultation at Bellissima Dental Boutique is recommended to determine the best option and ensure long-term success. Pros and cons are worth considering other than only counting on “how long do dentures last?” because that should not be the only metric to decide.

Pros

Full Dentures:

• It restores smile and tooth function in the absence of all-natural teeth. 
• The material mimics exactly the appearance of natural teeth.
• It is non-invasive and suitable for patients with extensive tooth loss.

Partial Dentures:

• It helps prevent remaining natural teeth from shifting.
• It improves speech and chewing ability compared to leaving gaps.
• It replaces missing teeth while preserving the remaining natural teeth.

Cons

Full Dentures:

• It may be a little uncomfortable to use in the early days.
• It is not anchored to the jaw, which may cause bone loss over time.
• It may require frequent adjustments due to changes in gum shape.

Partial Dentures:

• The clasps or metal frameworks may be visible.
• It requires adjustments over time as teeth shift or wear down.
• It is less stable than full dentures or dental implants.

Want Dental Implants And Dentures?

Picking between denture implants and full & partial ones is based on preferences and circumstances. What is better than implants if you are looking for a reliable and permanent tooth replacement solution? But if denture implants (Implant-supported dentures) are not your preference and your dentist backs you, then you may go for a temporary solution like full or partial dentures.

And if they match your needs, then stick with them or make up your mind for implants later when the dentures start becoming a nuisance. Why we prefer implants is their strength and endurance. They integrate into the jawbone through osseointegration, preventing bone loss and offering better stability than traditional dentures. 

For a detailed and thorough evaluation of your dental implants and dentures needs, schedule an appointment today at Bellissima Dental Boutique to see what option suits you the best. We assess your condition to offer dental solutions like denture implants or dentures that ensure comfort, long-term durability, and stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are full and partial dentures different?

They both are dental prosthetics that replace missing teeth, but coverage is the main difference. As the name suggests, full dentures cover the entire jaw, while partial dentures restore the gaps left by one to a few missing teeth in any one of the jaws.

2. How long do dentures last?

Dentures typically last 5-10 years, but their longevity can be increased with adequate care.

3. Can implant dentures replace all missing teeth?

Yes, they can restore both arches with secure and permanent tooth replacements. The biggest perk of implant dentures is maintaining jawbone density to prevent resorption.

4. How do I maintain my dentures?

Clean them regularly with any recommended or easily available non-abrasive cleaner, and store them in water overnight. Besides, regular visits are advised to ensure their longevity.