Partial and complete dentures are both effective solutions for missing teeth. People are given options of either going partial or going full with their dentures. There may only be two options to choose, but most patients still seem to be indecisive in making their final choice. Knowing the key differences between the two denture options will help you make up your mind.
Partial Dentures
Partial Dentures, shortly called as Partials, are removable kind of dentures. Partials are a good choice for people who still have quite a lot of remaining healthy teeth just because it would be a waste to dispose the healthy ones that can still be used. Partials are sometimes called as “fixed bridges”, but the two actually differ from each other in a way that partials are removable while fixed bridges, as their name suggests, aren’t. Fixed bridges are permanently attached to adjacent teeth, making them listed as a less desirable choice. Partials, on the other hand, use an acrylic, metal frame that has clasps that snap onto the remaining teeth, filling in the spaces with the artificial denture teeth.
Complete Dentures
Complete Dentures, also called as Full Dentures, are highly recommended for people who have most or all of their teeth removed. Traditional full dentures will be given to patients who have missing upper and lower teeth. If there are still remaining teeth and the patient plans to have them removed, the dentist shall perform the necessary tooth extraction operations, followed by the immediate placement of complete dentures.
After Denture Operations
As soon as the wounds and cuts from the previous operations are held, the fixed denture will be refitted and relined to the healed gums. This adjustment is necessary for the gum tissue and the jawbone that has been damaged from extractions. Remember that all kinds of dentures – partial, complete, or any other kinds like immediate dentures – require periodic adjustments.
