Complete vs. Partial Dentures

Complete vs. Partial Dentures

A complete set of teeth is critical to a beautiful smile that exudes confidence. However, there are more concerns than aesthetics for someone who loses one or more adult permanent teeth. Since teeth are an essential component of facial structure, losing teeth will inevitably cause your facial muscles to droop. It frequently makes it a problem to pronounce some words correctly. One common and effective way to correct this is getting dentures.

Complete and partial dentures are just a few of the many options available when getting dentures. For some, the best choice is obvious. Others may be able to find several treatments that will effectively improve their oral health. When the time comes to obtain dentures, your dentist at Woodyard Dental Care will assist you in picking the right choice.

What Are Dentures?

Around the seventh century B.C., the Etruscans created the earliest set of dentures using human and animal teeth. This craft vanished along with their civilization but reappeared in the 1700s with the invention of dentures.

Complete and partial dentures are the two primary types of dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth are still present. On the other hand, complete or full dentures are used when most or all the teeth are lost. 

Complete Dentures

A complete set of dentures has a base of gum-colored plastic or acrylic. It is precisely sculpted to correctly and firmly fit on the gums. The upper set fills the roof of your mouth. Saliva forms a thin layer between the gums and the denture, creating a seal that helps the denture stay in place.

The bottom set is formed like a horseshoe, held in place by the cheek and tongue muscles because there needs to be enough room for the tongue.

Benefits of Full Dentures

• They improve oral health during the denture procedure because of the special care that ensures the mouth is pain-free.
   

• Complete dentures are an excellent approach to improving oral health for people with severe or persistent tooth problems.
   

• When you do not have any teeth, your face could look sunken, for which full dentures can help. You will look younger and healthier with them. 
   

• Additionally, getting complete dentures will allow you to eat a wide range of foods, benefiting your general physical health.

Partial Dentures

The replacement teeth for a detachable partial denture or bridge are often fastened to gum-colored acrylic or plastic foundation. The metal structure that connects it keeps the denture firm.

When one or more teeth are still present in the upper jaw or lower jaw, partial dentures are a good option. A partial denture can replace one or more missing teeth by crowning the teeth adjacent to the gap and affixing prosthetic teeth to them.

Benefits of Partial Dentures

• They can swiftly fix your mouth's appearance and fill in any gaps in your grin
   

• You might qualify for same-day dentures
   

• They can stop the weakening and shifting of the remaining teeth
   

• They prevent one side of the mouth from being overused, which increases wear and damage

For more on complete vs. partial dentures, visit Woodyard Dental Care at our office in Paducah, Kentucky. Call (270) 213-6620 to book an appointment today.