Millions of adults worldwide suffer from tooth loss. This can make everyday functions such as eating, talking and smiling difficult. Fortunately, there are now many effective options available for tooth replacement using restorative dentistry. Complete and partial dentures are one of the easiest and most proven options. Both are removable solutions for replacing missing teeth, however they have completely different purposes.

Knowing the difference between complete and partial dentures will help you understand your options and communicate effectively with your dentist to get the best solution for you.

What is the difference between complete and partial dentures?

The main difference between complete and partial dentures is the amount of natural teeth you still have.

  • Full dentures – A complete denture is prescribed when you have no natural teeth left in your upper, lower, or both jaws. These dentures will completely replace one row of teeth. They are placed directly onto your gums.
  • Partial Dentures – Partial dentures are used when you have one or more healthy teeth left in your upper or lower jaw. This allows the denture to replace the gap and attach to your natural teeth.

Partial dentures aim to protect your natural teeth. On the other hand, full dentures require any remaining teeth to be removed.F and Partial Denture llConstructionu

Complete and partial dentures are constructed differently.

Complete Dentures

A complete denture is made by a dental laboratory. It has a pink colored acrylic base to resemble natural gums. The denture will have a complete set of false teeth attached to the base made from strong acrylic or porcelain.

  • Full Upper Dentures – A complete upper denture covers the whole roof of the mouth known as the hard palate. This provides a natural suction effect. Complete lower dentures have a horseshoe shape to allow space for your tongue. They will stay in place using your muscles, gravity and specialized adhesives.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures have a lightweight metal framework. This can be made from cobalt chromium alloy, a flexible thermoplastic, or an acrylic base.

Partial dentures have clasps made from metal or natural colored acrylic to attach them to your natural teeth. More advanced partial dentures will have discreet clasps.

Chewing and Speech

A complete and partial denture will help you to chew and speak.

  • Partial Dentures – Partial dentures provide a stronger bite as they attach directly to your strong natural teeth. This means you will be able to eat a wider variety of foods.
  • Complete Dentures – Complete dentures sit directly onto your soft gums. This means you won’t regain as much of your bite force. You will need to practice eating with even pressure on both sides of your mouth.
  • Speech – Full upper dentures will cover your palate meaning your tongue will be positioned differently. This will take some time to adjust to. Partial dentures will take less time to adjust to as they won’t take up as much space.

Bone Loss

When you lose your natural teeth your jaw bone will behave differently.

  • Complete Dentures – When you lose all of your natural teeth your jaw bone won’t receive any stimulation from the roots. This will cause your jaw bone to shrink due to resorption.
  • Full Dentures – Due to continuous bone loss, full dentures will no longer fit as well. This will require regular relining, re basing or replacement by a professional.
  • Partial Dentures – Any remaining natural teeth will help to keep the bone density. This will reduce the amount of bone loss throughout your jaw.

Cleaning

Both complete and partial dentures require daily cleaning to remove harmful bacteria and prevent infection.

  • Removing – Both complete and partial dentures should be removed every night. This will give your gums a rest and prevent fungal infections such as oral thrush.
  • Cleaning – Gently clean your dentures daily using a soft bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive cleaner. Soak overnight in clean water or a special soaking solution.
  • Partial Dentures – Anyone wearing a partial denture will need to have excellent oral hygiene. Ensure you are brushing and flossing your remaining natural teeth thoroughly every day. Pay extra attention to your anchoring teeth.

Cost

Partial dentures will generally be cheaper than complete dentures.

  • Cost – Partial dentures will be cheaper to begin with, especially if you are only replacing a few teeth.
  • Extractions – If you require any extractions of your remaining unhealthy teeth then this will increase your cost.
  • Insurance – Most dental insurances will cover complete and partial dentures as they are essential treatments. You will likely receive a large percentage of coverage once you have met your annual deductible.

How long does it take?

Complete Dentures

Immediate complete dentures can be fitted immediately after your remaining teeth have been extracted. This means you will always leave the surgery with a smile! However, conventional complete dentures will require 8-12 weeks for your gums to heal before fitting.

Partial Dentures

As partial dentures don’t require full extractions they will be quicker. The denture will be made by the dental laboratory. Impressions of your teeth and gums will be taken to create your personalized denture. This will take 2-4 visits.

Things To Consider

  • Book an appointment with your dentist to have a full examination and x-rays. This will show how healthy your remaining teeth are.
  • Try to keep your natural teeth as they are. This makes partial dentures the best option.
  • If your remaining teeth are severely decayed, suffer from advanced periodontist or have failed then conventional full dentures may be suitable.
  • Ensure you clean your dentures every day. This includes soaking them overnight and brushing all surfaces with non-abrasive cleaners.
  • Try reading out loud at home to get used to the change in tongue positioning.
  • Visit your dentist every 6 months for an examination. They will clean your anchoring teeth and ensure your denture fits correctly.

FAQ

Can I upgrade my partial denture to a complete denture?

In many cases a new tooth and clasp can be added to your existing acrylic partial denture. However, if you lose several anchoring teeth then your dentist will advise you to have a new complete denture.

How long will my dentures last?

With correct care, cleaning and adjustments both complete and partial dentures will last between 5-7 years. Over time your jaw bone will naturally change shape and your false teeth will wear. This will require your dentist to reline your denture.

Will partial dentures damage my natural teeth?

Partial dentures will not damage your natural teeth if you have excellent oral hygiene. However, if food and plaque builds up underneath the clasps then your anchoring teeth will be more at risk of decay. Ensure you clean your partial denture and natural teeth thoroughly every day.

Are complete/partial dentures difficult to eat with?

It will take some time to get used to your new dentures. Start with eating soft foods and cutting them into small pieces. Eat slowly and try to chew with both sides at the same time. After a few weeks your facial muscles will get used to them and you can start eating harder foods.