Complete vs Partial Dentures: Key Differences Explained
Complete vs partial dentures: one replaces a full row of teeth, the other fills one or two gaps. Compare how each is fitted, cleaned and cared for.
Dentures are artificial teeth fitted to fill the gap left by missing teeth. In dentistry they are called dentures. They are usually made of acrylic (plastic), nylon or metal. When a tooth falls out, the teeth around the gap tend to drift toward the empty space, and they end up growing in at an angle. There are two types of dentures:
- Complete denture.
A complete denture replaces the whole row of missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. It is usually fitted right after several teeth are extracted, so the patient is never left without teeth. The catch is that when a denture goes in straight after the natural teeth come out, the jawbone and gums change shape quickly, and the complete denture has to be adjusted again a few months later. That is why it is better to have dentures fitted once the gums have fully healed after extraction, so the denture matches the current shape of the gums.
- Partial denture
A partial denture replaces one or two missing teeth. It has metal clasps that attach to the gums, so you can take it out and put it back in easily.
Dentures must be cleaned just like natural teeth. Take the denture out and brush it with toothpaste. Then soak it in a denture cleaning solution (ask your dentist about this) to remove bacteria and stains. Afterward, brush it again with a toothbrush. It is recommended to take your dentures out at night so your gums can rest too. When they are out, keep them in water so they do not dry out and change shape.
Keep seeing the dentist every 6 months so the dentist can monitor how your teeth and mouth are doing after you get dentures. But if you have any of the following problems:
- Your dentures click when you talk.
- Your dentures no longer fit your gums or often come loose.
- You feel uncomfortable with your dentures.
- The person you are talking to can see that you wear dentures.
- You have gum problems or other dental problems such as canker sores, bad breath, bleeding gums, infection and so on.
Book a dental appointment as soon as possible to fix the problems your dentures are causing.
