Complete Dentures and Partial Dentures

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable artificial teeth that replace natural teeth. There are many types of different dentures such as complete dentures, immediate complete dentures, partial dentures, and implant overdentures to name a few. Dentures are usually not a first option, and in dentistry we prefer to save teeth if possible. However, for some people they are the best option and can be satisfying both functionally as well as esthetically. Dr. Parks is happy to discuss different options and recommend what treatment would be most suited to your individual situation.

What is the difference between a complete and a partial denture?

A complete denture replaces every tooth on the top or the bottom arch (jaw) of the mouth. A partial denture, on the other hand, replaces only the missing teeth in an arch and uses the teeth that are present for support. Partial dentures are usually made with a metal framework and acrylic, a flexible base material, or a combination of both with plastic teeth embedded in the base material. A complete denture is always made with an acrylic base and plastic teeth. When picking a shade for the replacement teeth we usually will match the shade of the natural teeth if using a partial denture. However, with a complete denture we can select any shade you desire, especially if doing complete dentures on top and bottom.

Immediate Complete Dentures

One of the main reasons to get dentures is that a patient’s teeth are not in very good condition due to cavities or gum disease and are not savable. When this is the case, there are different ways to achieve the final goal of a denture. One way is called an immediate denture which is a complete denture that gets delivered when the teeth are pulled. There are advantages and disadvantages to this method. The advantages are that its faster, the denture will act as a bandage while the extraction sites heal, and you are not without teeth. The disadvantages are that it is usually uncomfortable for about three weeks, frequent adjustments due to sore spots, and since the lab estimates the position of the gums the dentures can be slightly loose. In addition, once someone has healed for about six months then the dentures need to be refit to the gum tissue.

Complete Dentures

Usually, complete dentures are a treatment choice when a patient has had a previous denture and the teeth are worn down, it fits very poorly, or the patient does not like the way it looks. Typically, a traditional complete denture fits much more snug than an immediate denture. This is because the supporting tissue is much more stable. Most people are happier with their second denture for this reason. Be aware that when doing a traditional denture, it requires multiple appointments to complete the process. One of the main advantages to traditional dentures is that you can test the bite and evaluate the way they look, before they are fully completed. Dentures can be a great way to start chewing and smiling again.

Partial Dentures

Since we discussed the difference between partial and complete dentures already, we will focus on when a partial denture is utilized. This treatment option is one of Dr. Parks’ favorite treatment options when multiple back lower teeth are missing, and implants are not an option. Unlike complete dentures, that want to wander around on the lower arch, partial dentures stay in place by hanging on to natural teeth. In addition, biting into food is easier. Other uses for partials dentures are to replace just one or two teeth, but is the last treatment option compared to implants or bridges.

A flipper or treatment partial

First off, it is the same thing, but we commonly refer to it as flipper. What is it?  Essentially, acrylic with one or two teeth attached to fill in a missing tooth space for esthetic purposes. They are not designed to be chewed on and are only supposed to be temporary until a final restoration can be placed. These are often used following an extraction in preparation for implant or bridge placement.

Implant Overdentures

These are one of the best options that have come to the world of dentistry. There are mainly two types, ones that snap in place or ones that are screwed down to implants.  The nice part about either option is the ability to eat food is better than a traditional denture. As the name implies, these require implants to be placed first before the denture can be attached to them. Usually, Dr. Parks likes to work close with a specialist in these cases, and they place the implants. A period of time needs to take place for the implants to heal, then the denture that goes on top of them can be fabricated. Dr. Parks can discuss the details of these treatment options and if they are right for you.