Missing teeth can cause oral discomfort and affect your self-esteem and confidence. Dentures can offer a great solution to bring back your natural smile. However, choosing the right one can be quite overwhelming with the different types of dentures available to suit various tooth loss situations. Two common types of dentures are partial and full dentures. Here are a few differences between partial and full dentures, their advantages and disadvantages, and how they can bring back your beautiful smile.  

Partial Dentures:

Partial dentures are a kind of removable dental appliance specifically created to replace one or more teeth that are missing. As opposed to full dentures that are meant to replace all teeth, a partial only fills in the gaps where teeth are lost. Partial dentures are often used when only one or a few teeth are missing and still have healthy teeth remaining. They’re available in two types of materials: acrylic and metal. Acrylic partial dentures are more affordable and can be easily made, but they have a shorter lifespan than their metal counterparts. Metal partials are more durable and last longer than acrylic but are more expensive.

Full Dentures:

Complete dentures are typically needed when a person is missing all of the teeth in an arch. Full dentures come in two types - immediate and conventional. Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after teeth extraction, and the wearer can have teeth right after the procedure. On the other hand, conventional dentures are fabricated after all the teeth have been removed and the tissues have healed. While both denture types have pros and cons, they can initially feel awkward and require some practice to chew food with them.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Partial dentures are budget-friendly, easily removable, and can prevent the remaining teeth from shifting. However, they can cause some discomfort in the initial stages and may require periodic adjustments. Full dentures, on the other hand, provide support to facial muscles and make it easier to eat, speak and smile. They may also last longer and are more stable. However, they can cause initial discomfort and need to be properly maintained.

Caring for Dentures:

Regardless of the type of dentures, proper care is essential to ensure they serve you well in the long term. To prevent stains, fungus and odour, it is crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene for your dentures. This includes regularly brushing them with a soft-bristled brush and utilising a denture cleaner. Also, rinse your dentures after each meal and handle them with care.

Partial and full dentures have advantages and disadvantages, depending on individual needs. Whether you opt for a partial or full denture, it’s important to find a dentist who understands your concerns and provides you with a tailored solution. A good dentist can help you regain your confidence, improve your appearance and improve your quality of life. Now that you better understand partial and full dentures, you can make an informed decision and select the right dental option.

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