09 Nov Your Guide to Full and Partial Dentures
Missing teeth cause a variety of frustrating problems and make eating and speaking difficult. Luckily, dentures are an affordable solution that allow you to perform daily activities comfortably and confidently again. But how do you know which type of dentures is right for you? We put together this guide to getting partial vs. full dentures to help you understand your options.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
You don’t have to be missing all your teeth to be a good candidate for dentures. Partial dentures (AKA “partials”) can replace several teeth at once. If you’re only missing one or two teeth, you may be a better candidate for a dental bridge or dental implants.
You do need to have a good amount of healthy gum tissue and sufficient jaw bone density to support wearing dentures. Without teeth to stimulate them, your gums and jawbone become significantly weaker over time. If you wait too long to replace missing teeth, you’ll end up needing gum or bone grafting before you can be a good candidate for any tooth replacement options.
Partial vs. Full Dentures
Partial Dentures
If you’re missing a few teeth, partial dentures may be the right option for you. Partials are removable, custom-made dental appliances. They are designed to fill the gaps in your mouth and prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting. The false teeth are colored to match your existing natural teeth so they blend together.
Full Dentures
If you’re missing all or most of your top or bottom teeth, then full dentures are likely better for you. Also known as complete dentures, full dentures are a full set of top or bottom teeth that are custom-made to fit the natural shape of your mouth. Just like partials, complete dentures are removable and colored to match the rest of your natural teeth.
You may also be a good candidate for full dentures if you’re only missing some teeth but most of your remaining teeth are severely damaged. Unless you’re missing all of your teeth on the top or bottom, you will likely need to have some teeth extracted in order to get complete dentures.
There are two kinds of full dentures:
- Conventional dentures are placed after your mouth has had four to six weeks to heal after tooth extraction.
- Immediate dentures are made ahead of time and placed on the same day as the extraction.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
The cost of full or partial dentures depends on how many teeth need to be replaced, on the materials used, and whether or not any extractions are required. However, both types of dentures are more affordable compared to dental bridges and implants.
In most cases, partials cost less than full dentures, and usually amount to somewhere between $600 and $2,000. However, full dentures can end up costing much more. Some dental insurance plans may help cover the cost of dentures, but not all, so it’s important to check with your provider.
How Long Do Removable Dentures Last?
As long as you take care of them, removable partial and full dentures should last around 10 years or more. Even if you don’t have any natural teeth left, it’s essential that you clean your dentures every day. Routine cleaning will extend their life span and protect your mouth.
Plaque and tartar can still build up on the false teeth, leaving your gums vulnerable to infectious bacteria. If you develop gum disease, it can severely weaken your gums, cause health complications, and prevent your dentures from fitting properly.
Full and Partial Dentures in Sun Lakes, Arizona
Not sure if partial or full dentures are right for you? Dr. Saba and Associates can help you determine your best tooth replacement options. We’ve been helping residents in Sun Lakes restore their smiles for over 30 years.
We offer full and complete removable dentures as well as dental bridges. We can also refer you to a qualified oral surgeon for dental implants. Call 480-895-2111 today to schedule an appointment with us.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/9/2022). Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash