How do Partial Dentures Differ from Full Dentures?
- Written by News Company
Are you confused and slightly worried about having to get dentures? If so, you’re not alone. Although most people are aware of the possibility of getting dentures sometime in the future, most adults know little about what these replacements are and what different types are available.
What are Dentures, Exactly?
Some people assume that dentures are sets of fake teeth that old people put in a glass of water at night — like what is shown in the movies. The reality, though, is that there are many types of dentures available from a quality dental practice like www.mccraedental.com.au.
Usually, a denture is an easily removable replacement for one or more missing teeth. Despite the common assumption, dentures are not necessarily “an old person thing,” since you can lose a tooth for a wide variety of reasons, including a sports accident.
Depending on the situation, dentures might have more of an aesthetic role (by filling out your smile) or a more necessary one (by improving chewing).
What are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are used when some teeth remain inside your mouth. The denture is then made specifically to suit the situation. Partial dentures are usually a “bridge” of missing teeth, which means that a special crown is placed on top of the adjacent teeth and then used to secure a tooth in the gap (hence bridging it).
A partial denture can also be a set of teeth in a row and can sometimes be fixed in the mouth by a metal structure. The purpose of partial dentures, aside from filling in your smile, is that they prevent the remaining teeth from growing in odd positions, which can cause even more damage to the mouth.
What is a Full Denture?
It’s no secret that as a human being grows older, their teeth begin to fall out. People who require a full denture haven’t lost all their teeth, but only have few remaining in their mouth and those teeth are inhibiting the application of the denture.
In many cases, a full denture will require the lingering teeth to be removed so that the denture can then be put in place. Following the extraction, you will be fitted with an immediate denture.
An immediate denture is usually made in advance of the actual extraction and can be worn for a period of about 8-12 weeks, while the gums beneath it heal. This allows you to chew food and behave normally for this healing period.
After the extraction is done and while you are wearing your immediate denture, the dentist will create a conventional denture that can be put in after the gums have healed fully.
You will need conventional dentures, as immediate ones are only a temporary solution. Then again, conventional dentures require a bit more work because they need to be able to latch on to the gum once it has healed.
Which Type to Get?
The answer is something you need to discuss with your dentist at your next appointment. The professional has the education and experience to advise you, based on your specific situation.
