Whats the Difference Between Partial and Full Dentures?

We’ve seen the benefits of dentures many times over at our Calgary denture clinic. The right type of denture can have a profound impact on your day-to-day life, allowing you to eat comfortably, talk clearly, and smile with confidence.

The best type of denture is the one uniquely suited to your particular needs and degree of tooth loss. A good denturist will assess your situation and provide a recommendation on available denture solutions, including expert advice on whether a partial or full denture is your best option.

But what exactly is the difference between partial and full dentures? Is one option usually better than the other?

We provide the answers below to some popular questions on partial and full dentures.

What are partial dentures?

Partial dentures consist of removable artificial teeth that are attached to a realistic gum-like base and secured with a specially designed metal framework that clasps onto adjacent teeth.

In some cases, a denturist or prosthodontist will create a fixed bridge for partial dentures, installing a crown or cap onto your adjacent remaining teeth so that the partial denture can be permanently secured.

Who can get partial dentures?

Since partial dentures affix to adjacent teeth, this type of denture is best for patients who only need to replace a few missing teeth.

What are full dentures?

Similar to partial dentures, full dentures consist of artificial teeth attached to a base that looks like real gums and features a customized shape to fit over your natural gum line.

Your denturist will carefully customize and adjust the full dentures so that they fit as securely as possible when you eat or talk.

Who is the best candidate for full dentures?

Full dentures are best suited to patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth. This type of denture offers a good solution for individuals suffering from major tooth loss, allowing them to return to their normal routine without having to worry about missing teeth.

How do partial dentures compare to full dentures?

Typically, partial dentures offer a more natural look and secure fit, particularly if the partial dentures are attached to your natural teeth using a fixed bridge and crowns.

By contrast, full dentures are usually the best option when most teeth are missing. This type of denture is also relatively easy to customize and maintain.

What’s the difference in cost between partial and full dentures?

A number of different factors can affect the price of dentures, including whether you will need other procedures to install the dentures, such as dental implants, bridges, or crowns.

As a rough guide, partial dentures often work out to around 30 to 50% of the cost of full conventional dentures.

Whether it’s partial or full dentures, the right denture solution can improve your quality of life.

We’re happy to help you find the right type of denture. Contact us today at 403-475-0016.