Have you lost one or several teeth and asked yourself which replacement option is best? Missing teeth may prevent you from eating, speaking, or smiling with confidence. Dentures are one of the most common methods of restoring your smile. If you are considering getting dentures in Valencia, you may be asking yourself, “Do I want partial dentures or full dentures?” Let’s look at each type of denture to help you decide.
Why Do People Need Dentures?
Our teeth are important for chewing food, speaking clearly, and loosening up our faces. When teeth are lost from decay, gum disease, or injury, it is important to replace these teeth. Dentures act like artificial teeth, restoring your smile and allowing you to eat and speak normally. Depending on how many teeth are missing, partial dentures or full dentures may be necessary.
The Different Types of Dentures
First of all, the types of dentures can be numerous, but the main ones are partial and full.
Partial dentures are recommended when you still have natural teeth left. The main function of the dentures is to fill the spaces that lack teeth, and in this regard, they are closely connected to the teeth that you still have.
Complete dentures, also called full dentures, are those that are used when all the teeth in the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both are missing. The dentures are placed on the gums, and thus, they enable you to have a complete set of teeth.
Understanding Partial Dentures
The partial dentures are definitely suitable for cases where only a few teeth have been lost. Usually, they come with a pink base that is designed to resemble gums, and false teeth are attached to it. The base might have a few metal clasps that hold onto your natural teeth and, hence, support the denture.
Benefits of partial dentures include:
- Spaces that make your smile appear broken are filled.
- Preventing nearby teeth from shifting into empty gaps.
- Partial dentures make it simpler for you to eat.
- They are less expensive than dental implants.
If you want to keep your natural teeth while replacing only the missing ones, then partial dentures are the right option.
Understanding Full Dentures
Full dentures are created for people who have lost all their teeth in either the top or bottom jaw. They fit directly over the gums and replace an entire row of teeth. These dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth so that they feel safe and relaxed.
The advantages of full dentures include:
- Restoring a complete, natural-looking smile
- Helping you chew and eat food again
- Sustaining the contours of your face and lips, which may sag after tooth loss
- Being made to withstand years with proper care
If you’re wondering, “When do you need full dentures?” the answer is simple: you need them when most or all of your teeth are gone, and saving the remaining teeth is not possible.
The Key Differences Between Partial and Full Dentures
When choosing between partial dentures vs full dentures, the biggest distinction is how many teeth you are missing.
- Partial dentures are for people with some healthy teeth still in place. They only substitute the teeth that are missing.
- Full dentures are for people who have no teeth remaining in one or both jaws. They give you a completely new set of teeth.
Both types can be removed for cleaning, and both are made to improve how you eat, talk, and smile.
Which Is Better – Partial or Full Dentures?
A prevalent question is, “Which is better, partial or full dentures?” The answer relies on your dental condition. If you still have several healthy natural teeth, partial dentures are usually the better option because they work together with your existing teeth. If you don’t have any teeth left in an arch, full dentures are the right choice.
The best way to know for sure is to visit a dentist in Valencia who can examine your mouth and recommend the best option for you.
Finding the Best Denture Option for Missing Teeth
There is no right answer to the best denture option for missing teeth because everyone’s situation is different. For example, some people can successfully wear partial dentures, while others require full dentures to replace all of their lost teeth. In some cases, a dentist may recommend implant-supported dentures, which attach to dental implants and provide more stability than either full or partial dentures.
To help decide what is best for you, consider:
- How many teeth are you missing
- The condition of your gums and remaining teeth
- Your budget and personal choice
- Whether you want an immediate solution or a more permanent solution
Adjusting to Dentures
If you decide on any option, it will still be necessary for you to take some time before you can get used to the dentures. Initially, they might feel a bit loose or uncomfortable, but your mouth will eventually get used to them. Consuming softer foods at the start, practicing your speech, and following your dentist’s instructions will certainly help the transition become smoother.
It is equally important to care for your dentures. Some tips are:
- Every day, use a soft brush to clean your dentures.
- After eating, rinse them to remove any dirt.
- Immerse them in a denture solution at night so they can retain their shape.
- Make sure to visit your dentist at regular intervals to ensure the fit of your mouth and the health of your oral cavity.
If you take good care of your dentures, they can last for a long time and maintain your dental health.
When to See a Dentist About Dentures
Have you lost some teeth and are having trouble eating, talking, or smiling? If so, you might want to visit a local dentist. Your dentist can examine your mouth and recommend whether you need partial dentures or full dentures. Also, getting dentures sooner rather than later can prevent other dental problems. Teeth can shift, and your jaw can also change shape.
Choosing the Right Dentures
Dentures are an approved method of tooth replacement and can help enhance your confidence. If you still have some teeth remaining, then look to get partial dentures, but if you are missing all of your teeth in one or both jaws, then look to get complete dentures. Either way, dentures can help you smile again and enjoy life. At Dr. Brian Gradinger DMD, we provide high-quality, custom-made dentures to fit your needs. Whether you need partial dentures, complete dentures, or simply need to know what the best and most comfortable option is for you, our team is here to help. If you are ready to take the first steps to find a solution to your smile, contact our office today to book your appointment.
