“What’s the Difference between Partial Dentures and Full Dentures?”
One of the questions that we’re frequently asked here at Ottawa South Denture Clinic is, “What’s the difference between partial dentures and full dentures?”
There are some common misconceptions about the similarities and differences between full dentures and partial dentures, and just what purpose each serves.
We’re happy to clear the air on partial dentures versus full dentures, in this edition of the Ottawa South Denture Clinic blog.
Partial Dentures – What They Are & How They Help
Partial dentures are a great option for people who are missing a few teeth or have gaps in their teeth.
These dentures fill in the gaps, restoring your smile and helping to give you added confidence in the way you look and the way you chew.
A partial denture is essentially an artificial replacement tooth. Rather than being implanted in the socket, however, a partial denture can be inserted or removed as needed. Partial dentures can accommodate implants as well, so that’s worth noting.
Partial dentures fit to your mouth via a plastic base, with tiny clasps (usually metal) that attach the denture to adjacent (natural) teeth in the mouth. This way, the partial denture stays in place and doesn’t move around.
Partial dentures commonly come in two varieties: Cast metal partial dentures and acrylic partial dentures. Cast metal partial dentures are highly durable but are still relatively thin. Acrylic partial dentures are essentially a plastic denture and tend not to be as comfortable (acrylic partial dentures are fine as a temporary option, e.g. before or after a tooth extraction).
If you are missing a few teeth, a partial denture is an excellent option, one which your highly qualified denturist offers and implements routinely here at Ottawa South Denture Clinic.
Full Dentures: When Total Replacement Is Needed
While partial dentures offer many benefits, these are limited to missing gaps or replacing a few missing teeth. When a replacement of most or all teeth becomes necessary, the answer is full dentures.
Full dentures come into use when someone is missing most or all of their upper teeth and/ow lower teeth. These are the “traditional” dentures many people think of when someone mentions “dentures” – that’s full dentures; now you know.
Full dentures are available in two varieties.
Conventional Dentures take a while to implement, typically 2-3 months. The remaining teeth in the patient’s mouth are extracted and the gums heal, then conventional full dentures can be implemented later on.
Immediate Dentures, meanwhile, are made ahead of time, before the extraction, and are placed in the mouth while the gums are healing. Eventually, most people who receive immediate full dentures at the time of tooth extraction go on to receive conventional full dentures.
Partial Denture or Full Dentures in Ottawa: Which is Right for You?
For a few missing teeth or gaps in teeth, partial dentures are probably your best bet. If you’re going for a full replacement for upper teeth and/or lower teeth, we’re talking full dentures.
Whether you require partial dentures or full dentures in Ottawa, the Ottawa South Denture Clinic has the experienced team to serve your denture needs well.
We have helped hundreds of patients with partial dentures and full dentures over the years, and we’re happy to consult with you about which would work best for your denture needs.
Feel free to reach out to Ottawa South Denture Clinic today to find out more.
