Full Dentures or Dental Partials? Know Which One You Need

When aging or trauma get in your way of smiling, laughing out loud, eating comfortably or even posing for a picture, dentures can be a great solution. But do you need dental partials or a full denture?

Answering this question is key for finding a well-suited dentist and bringing your oral health back where it is supposed to be. Our team at Gulfton Smiles is prepared and experienced to attend your case and help you restore your smile, bite, and most importantly, your confidence; all with a treatment that fits your needs.

What Are Dental Partials?

Dental partials or partial dentures are a removable dental appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth (but not all). Most have a metal or acrylic base with false teeth attached, and anchor to your existing teeth with clasps or other precision attachments.

These are best for patients that still have a lot of healthy natural teeth but want to improve their oral function by filling in the gaps, and prefer a less invasive and more affordable option.

Pros and Cons of Dental Partials

Partial dentures are less invasive than full dentures, help preserve natural healthy teeth, and will be more affordable than having either a full denture or implants done. On the other hand, they might be visible to other people (depending on what teeth you are missing), rely on other teeth for support, and will probably need adjustment over time as tooth loss progresses.

What Are Full Dentures?

A full denture is also a removable appliance, but that replaces all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw (or both, in some cases). They are custom-made so they perfectly fit, and typically rest directly on the gums and rely on suction or special adhesives to stay in place.

They are best suited for patients who have lost all their teeth due to decay, gum disease, injury, illness, or have very poor remaining tooth health.

Pros and Cons of Full Dentures

Full dentures can give you a complete, almost permanent restoration of your smile, as well an improved ability to eat and speak. Additionally, they are much more cost-effective than implants, especially if you’re dealing with significant teeth loss.

Nonetheless, they require a somewhat long adaptation period, contribute to bone loss over time without implants, and may need adhesives for stability.

Dental Partials vs. Full Dentures

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Your dentist will carefully assess your situation and make a professional recommendation based on your:

• Number of missing teeth
• Condition of remaining teeth
• Jawbone health and stability
• Budget and insurance coverage

If possible, you can both also discuss your personal preference in terms of appearance, convenience, and overall lifestyle.

Alternatives to Dentures

If you or your dentist would like to explore other alternatives to full dentures or dental partials, some options are:

• Dental implants: Permanent replacements, surgically located into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth rots. Once they heal, they can support crowns, bridges, or dentures.
• Implant-supported dentures: A hybrid solution where your dentist attaches a denture to a few implants on your jaw for enhanced stability, chewing, and speaking abilities.
• Dental bridges: These are prosthetics that “bridge” or cover the gap left by one or more missing teeth. They are non-removable, quicker than implants, and do not require surgery.

Keep in mind that these might not be suitable for everyone, as they depend on bone density, budget, and other specific needs.

Get Your Dental Partials in Houston at Gulfton Smiles

We know exploring dentures and dental partials can be an overwhelming process. Having professional guidance will ensure your smile soon shines brighter by receiving exactly the type of treatment you need.

At Gulfton Smiles, we offer attention for deciding whether or not you need full or dental partials, and the best plans for getting your oral health stronger than ever. If you are ready to enjoy a happier and healthier smile, schedule a consultation with our dentistry professionals at Gulfton Smiles in Houston, Texas. You can call (713) 541-3013 or use our online booking tool.