Partial vs. Full Dentures
For dentures to serve their purpose, you want to have the ideal type.
There are two primary types of dentures: partial and full. Full dentures are a full set of fake teeth on the upper or lower jaw.
Partial dentures are slightly more varied in function but require several fake teeth in a row supported by other healthy, natural teeth.
To fully understand the difference between the two types, it helps to know the options within the types.
Full Dentures
Full dentures can be either conventional or implant-supported.
Conventional, full dentures are removable. They need to be a complete row of teeth that rest snuggly on the gums of the upper or lower jaw. They are convenient in that they can be removed and cleaned, however, the jaw can change, making it necessary to get the fit of dentures adjusted.
Implant-supported, full dentures are not removable, as some teeth will be attached to implants in the gums. These are a great permanent option.
Whichever you choose, natural teeth cannot be present on the upper or lower jaw to use full dentures. Any remaining teeth would need to be extracted.
Partial Dentures
There are four primary types of partial dentures:
Metal Frame (attached to teeth beside it with a clasp)
Temporary Acrylic
Temporary Flexible (plastic)
Fixed Bridges (permanently attached to other teeth)
Whichever type of dentures you choose, it is good to know that partial dentures are a much cheaper option if you have healthy natural teeth remaining to support them.
Speak with a dentist at Cascade Dental Care to learn more.