Removable Dentistry

Partial and Full Dentures

Partial and full dentures are both types of dental appliances used to replace missing teeth, but there are some key differences between the two.

Partial dentures are designed to replace one or more missing teeth and are typically used when some natural teeth still remain. They are made of a metal or acrylic base that supports replacement teeth and attaches to the remaining natural teeth with clasps or other connectors. Partial dentures are typically more affordable and less invasive than full dentures, as they require fewer artificial teeth and less extensive adjustments to the surrounding teeth.

Full dentures, on the other hand, are designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth (either the upper or lower jaw) and are typically used when all natural teeth are missing or need to be extracted. They are made of a gum-colored acrylic base that supports replacement teeth and fits snugly over the gums. Full dentures can be either conventional or immediate. Conventional dentures are made after the remaining teeth are removed and the gum tissue has healed, while immediate dentures are made in advance and can be placed immediately after the teeth are removed. Immediate dentures can be a good temporary solution while waiting for the gums to heal, but may require more adjustments to achieve a proper fit.