Complete and Partial Dentures: What You Need to Know

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Complete and Partial Dentures: What You Need to Know

November 17, 2020

You've likely heard the word "dentures," but do you know anything about them? For instance, did you know that there are both partial and complete dentures?

Well, there are, and we're going to review them in detail below. So, if you're looking to learn more, read on! Here's everything you need to know.

What Are Dentures?

There are several different options for replacing lost teeth. Some of these are permanent in nature, as they remain in the teeth for the foreseeable future. Dentures are the opposite: they can be removed at any time.

Dentures are essentially mouthguards with synthetic teeth and gums attached. They fit over the jaws and replace teeth that have been lost. In doing so, they not only enhance the look of teeth and gums but the functionality of them as well.

They offer a number of benefits. These benefits include the following.

They Improve Your Smile

The most noticeable benefit is the effect that they have on your oral aesthetics. Because they replace lost teeth and gums, they essentially serve to complete an incomplete smile.

A better smile improves not only your overall look but your self-esteem as well. After getting dentures, you'll feel much better about yourself and will be able to open your mouth with impunity.

They Assist in Chewing

One of the big issues with tooth loss is that it makes chewing difficult. After all, you can't chew food with teeth that aren't there.

This is where dentures can come in handy. After all, they're specifically designed to work with your existing teeth. As such, they assist in facilitating a natural chewing motion, one that gets the job done and doesn't cause any pain.

They Aid in Speech

Another common result of losing teeth is having your speech impaired in some way. This stands to reason, as you've spent decades learning how to speak with a full set of teeth. The second you lose a few, everything you once knew changes.

Until, of course, you get dentures. These will replace your teeth, allowing you to speak in the same way that you used to and eliminating any tooth-inspired speech impediments you may have been suffering from.

They Prevent Jaw and Gum Loss

When teeth are lost, the jaw and gum that surround them start to disappear. This is why it's important to replace lost teeth in some manner. Failure to do so will result in slow jaw and gum loss surrounding the missing teeth.

There are a number of options for combating jaw and gum loss, with dentures being just one of them. Call your dental office to receive a full run-down of your options.

Complete Dentures vs. Partial Dentures

There are two types of dentures: complete dentures and partial dentures. Note, though, that while they have the same name, they are actually quite different. We'll discuss them in detail below.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are entire sets of synthetic teeth. They're used to replace teeth in situations in which all of the teeth have been lost or removed. They're never used in situations in which some teeth are still remaining.

These can be removed as desired and should generally be removed during sleep. Removing them not only allows the jawbone to rest but also prevents them from trapping bacteria and causing further decay.

If you've lost most of your teeth, or if you think you might need a full-mouth tooth extraction, complete dentures are the likely next step.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures share characteristics with the complete versions. For instance, they fit over the jaw. However, unlike the complete models, the partial models don't fit over the entirety of the jaw; instead, they only fit over parts where teeth are missing.

They consist of a set of synthetic teeth. These sets can contain anywhere from 2-5 (and sometimes more) teeth in total, with all of the teeth sitting in succession with one another.

The majority of partial dentures are removable. They connect to a gum-colored base, which is held in the mouth via a metal wire that connects to adjoining teeth. When inserted, they look just like natural teeth.

Getting Dentures: The Process

The process of getting dentures is fairly straightforward.

It begins with a trip to your dentist. At this first appointment, your dentist will assess your teeth, looking for indications of decay and infection. Dental molds will likely be taken as well.

After the appointment has ended, your dentist will ensure that your molds are correctly measured. Then, he or she will send those molds to a dental lab so that the lab can create your dentures.

A few weeks later, you'll return to be fitted with your dentures. If they fit comfortably, you'll be good to go for the foreseeable future. If not, some tweaking will need to be done until everything feels right.

Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?

The ideal candidate for dentures is someone who has experienced substantial tooth loss. If you're missing only a tooth or two, you can likely get by with the help of a dental bridge. But if you're missing, say, three teeth in succession (or all of your teeth), then dentures will be needed.

It's also important to note that the candidate must have a decent amount of gum and jawbone remaining. Decay can eliminate the gums and jaws over time, which can, in some cases, require reconstruction. If these areas are depleted and yet to become reconstructed, dentures might not be a viable option.

Need Dentures in Sewell, New Jersey?

Are you dealing with missing teeth? Need dentures in Sewell, New Jersey? If so, we here at Sewell Dental Designs are the people to see.

We're well-versed in the denture process, having made them for countless patients over the years. Whether you need partial or complete dentures, we can accommodate you.

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