Full and Partial Dentures
Losing teeth can profoundly impact your life, affecting everything from your ability to eat comfortably to your confidence in social situations. For centuries, dentures have provided a reliable and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring function, and bringing back a full, beautiful smile. Modern dentistry has made dentures more comfortable, natural-looking, and accessible than ever.
Whether you are missing several teeth or all of them, understanding your options is the first step toward reclaiming your quality of life. Let’s explore the world of full and partial dentures and see how they can help you smile with confidence again.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are custom-made to fit snugly and comfortably in your mouth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile naturally. Depending on how many teeth you need to replace, your dentist will recommend either a full or a partial denture.
Full Dentures
A full denture, also known as a complete denture, is used when all the teeth in an arch (either upper or lower) are missing.
- Conventional Full Denture: This type is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth have been removed, and the gum tissues have completely healed, which can take several months.
- Immediate Full Denture: This denture is made in advance and placed immediately after the teeth are removed. The primary benefit is that you do not have to go without teeth during the healing period. However, as your gums and bone shrink over time, these dentures will require more adjustments to fit properly.
A full upper denture covers the roof of your mouth (the palate), while a lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for your tongue.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. It fills the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position. A partial denture typically consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-coloured plastic base, which is connected by a metal framework or other natural-looking connectors that hold the denture in place in the mouth.
The Benefits of Choosing Dentures
Dentures offer a multitude of benefits that go beyond just aesthetics.
- Restored Function: They allow you to chew a wider variety of foods, improving your nutrition and digestion.
- Improved Speech: Missing teeth can make it difficult to pronounce certain words. Dentures help you speak more clearly.
- Enhanced Appearance: Dentures fill out the appearance of your face and profile, providing support for your lips and cheeks and preventing the sagging look that can occur with tooth loss.
- Boosted Confidence: Replacing missing teeth can have a significant positive impact on your self-esteem.
The Process of Getting Dentures
The journey to getting your new smile typically involves several appointments over a few weeks or months.
- Consultation and Impressions: Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination and discuss your options. A series of impressions and measurements of your jaw will be taken.
- Model and Wax-Up: A model or wax form in the exact shape of the proposed denture will be made. You will try this model on several times to check for colour, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.
- Casting the Final Denture: Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the fit and appearance of the model, the final denture is created.
- Adjustments: After you receive your final denture, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. It is normal to need a few follow-up visits to fine-tune the appliance as your mouth adjusts.
Living with and Caring for Your Dentures
Adjusting to new dentures takes time. It is common to experience minor irritation or soreness at first, and your saliva flow may temporarily increase. With practice, you will become more comfortable eating and speaking.
Proper care is essential to keep your dentures in great shape:
- Handle with Care: Always handle your dentures over a folded towel or a basin of water, as they can break if dropped.
- Brush Daily: Gently brush your dentures daily to remove food deposits and plaque. Use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser.
- Keep Them Moist: When you are not wearing them, store your dentures in a soaking solution or plain water to prevent them from drying out and warping.
- Care for Your Mouth: Even with full dentures, you should brush your gums, tongue, and palate every morning with a soft brush to stimulate circulation and remove plaque.
Dentures are a time-tested and transformative solution for tooth loss. If you are ready to explore your options for a complete and functional smile, schedule a consultation to find out if dentures are right for you.
