Whether you’ve lost some teeth or all of them, dentures can restore your smile and improve your quality of life. Let’s explore what dentures are, the differences between full and partial dentures, and how they can transform your dental health and aesthetics. Understanding partial dentures vs full dentures is the first step to regaining a confident, functional smile with Cashmere Family Dentistry.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic devices made to replace missing teeth in your smile. Dentures use the support of the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Traditional dentures are removable, but they have different designs.
Some rely on bonding or clasping onto teeth or dental implants. There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Let’s break down the differences between them.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are prosthetic devices built to replace an entire set of teeth. This means they can replace the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They rest directly on the gums, relying on natural suction to create your smile.
We suggest full dentures when all of your natural teeth have been lost or removed due to decay, gum disease, or injury.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are dental prostheses crafted to replace multiple but not all the teeth in your mouth. They’re used when one to three natural teeth are missing, with some stable teeth on either side in the upper or lower jaw.
Partial dentures prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting into the gaps created by the missing teeth, which could lead to various oral health issues.
Partial dentures are structured with replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. They’re normally removable and are secured to your natural teeth with clasps or precision attachments.
How Do We Make Dentures?
At Cashmere Family Dentistry, Dr. Janie Busk and Dr. Ryan Busk start your journey to a better smile by taking precise dental impressions and scans of your smile. We’ll then begin creating a wax model, which is adjusted for fit, color, and shape to match the natural appearance of your gums and works with your facial structure.
Then, to create your partial or full dentures, we use different materials like acrylic resin or porcelain to create a natural-looking base and teeth that are both durable and visually pleasing.
How Do I Know Which One’s For Me?
Full and partial dentures serve different purposes and cater to different needs in dental prosthetics. From specific conditions, comfort, budget, and lifestyle, knowing which device will bring out your best smile is important.
Function
We recommend full dentures for patients who have lost all of their teeth in an arch and can rely on suction or specific adhesives to remain in place. They’ll replace the entire set of teeth and restore the complete function and look of your smile.
Partial dentures, on the other hand, are made for if you still have some of your natural teeth. These dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting and misaligning.
They’ll cover one to three teeth gaps as long as there are two stable teeth for the device to attach to.
Comfort
Partial dentures are considered more comfortable due to their less invasive nature. They are also easier to adjust to and help provide relief by supporting your natural teeth.
Full dentures, while replacing more teeth and creating a complete smile, require more time to make adjustments for you and may affect your sense of taste or feel bulkier in the mouth.
Cost
Full dentures may need replacements more often or require more adjustments as your jaw and gums change over time. These more frequent changes can be more expensive than partial dentures, which often only need maintenance of clamps or treatment of the health of supporting teeth.
At Cashmere Family Dentistry, we’ll work with you and your insurance to find an affordable plan to create your new smile.
How Do I Care For My Dentures?
Keeping your new smile shining with proper denture care is key to your oral health. At Cashmere Family Dentistry, we guide you through each step to make sure your dentures last.
It starts with regular cleaning—just like natural teeth, dentures require daily brushing to remove food particles and plaque, preventing stains. Always use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive cleaner to protect the materials.
Soaking your dentures overnight in a cleansing solution helps maintain their shape and freshness. Remember, handling them with care is crucial. Always hold them over a folded towel or a sink filled with water to avoid breakage.
And don’t forget, regular check-ups with Dr. Janie Busk or Dr. Ryan Busk are vital to adjust the fit and assess wear, keeping your smile at its best.
Creating Your Best Smile With Cashmere Family Dentistry
Choosing the right dentures is a big decision that affects not only your oral health but your overall well-being and confidence. At Cashmere Family Dentistry, we’re dedicated to guiding you through every step, from initial consultation to the final fitting and beyond. Schedule your visit at our office in Cashmere and take the first step towards a brighter, happier dental future.
