Dentures (Full and Partial)
Dentures of the past have unfortunately given modern dentures a bad reputation. Modern dental technologies like advanced imaging, dental appliance manufacturing, and innovative materials have vastly improved our options for replacing a patient’s missing teeth. Modern dentures are always custom-designed and custom-manufactured to ensure patients enjoy a perfect, comfortable, secure, and natural-feeling fit.
The Difference Between Partial and Full Dentures
Dentures fall into two main categories: full dentures and partial dentures.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are dental appliances designed to replace an entire arch (or row) of teeth. Some patients require a full denture on the top, bottom, or upper and lower arches.
Upper full dentures are designed to suction to the hard palate and snuggly hug the alveolar ridge. Lower full dentures simply suction to the bottom alveolar ridge, creating a secure fit.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures have a less uniform design, as they are designed to replace one or several (but not all) missing teeth. Partial dentures differ in design depending on the locations of the missing teeth (i.e., whether they are consecutive missing teeth, in different spots, or at the end of an arch).
Types of Full Dentures
There are several different types of full and partial dentures that patients can choose from. These treatment options are designed to accommodate a wide array of patient needs, treatment goals, and budgets.
Traditional Full Dentures
Traditional full dentures are designed to fit snuggly against the soft tissues inside the mouth to create a natural suction. Sometimes denture adhesives can also be used to maintain a secure, comfortable fit. Traditional dentures are removed for cleaning each night.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are not designed for removal each night. Instead of a snug, suctioned fit, they are fixed in the mouth with surgically placed dental implants. There are two basic styles of implant-supported dentures: snap-on or overdentures, which a dental professional can easily remove, and all-on-4 fixed dentures, which are not designed for removal.
Types of Partial Dentures
There are also two basic categories of partial dentures.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures can be removed by a patient for cleaning or by a dental professional for repairs and maintenance. These come in various styles and materials, including cast metal clasp, acrylic clasp, and flexible.
Permanently Fixed Partial Dentures
Permanently fixed partial dentures are also often referred to as “dental bridges.” There are several styles of bridges for patients to choose from, including implant-supported, fixed (supported by dental crowns and anchor teeth), wire bridges, and cantilever bridges.
What To Expect When Getting Dentures
The process of getting dentures varies greatly depending on the type of dentures you plan to get and the current condition of your oral health. For example:
- Patients planning to get full dentures might require tooth extractions or other oral preparations before they can be fit for a full set of dentures.
- Patients planning to get implant-supported dentures need to undergo the process of preparing for implant placement. They must then complete the process of having dental implants placed and healing from those procedures.
- Patients planning to get a fixed partial denture or bridge must first have the anchor teeth in their mouths prepared for capping with dental crowns.
Regardless of the type of denture you choose for restoring your smile, the process always begins with a consultation and exam with one of our dentists. During this appointment, we discuss your treatment goals and expectations to help you determine the tooth-replacement option that works best for you. We can then talk with you and answer any questions you might have about the treatment process.
Full and Partial Dentures With Our Glen Ellyn Dentists
If you are missing one or more teeth, you don’t have to live with the discomfort and inconvenience that missing teeth can cause. Our dentists can help you determine the tooth-replacement option that is best for you to help you restore your smile to its complete form and function.
To learn more about replacing your missing teeth or to request a smile restoration consultation, we welcome you to contact Glen Ellyn Dentistry at 630-942-0727 today.
