Full Dentures or Partial Dentures: Which is right for you?

Deciding between full dentures and partial dentures is a big decision for any patient. At Cleveland Smile Center, our dentists not only want to provide you with a functional solution but want to give you a brilliant and comfortable smile.

If you are considering dentures, how do you know what solution is the best or right one for you? Not only will we walk through the decision-making process, but we will also outline the process for getting dentures and ongoing care.

Whenever possible, we provide same day dentures and partials. This means that we provide you with brand new teeth (dentures or partials) on the same day that we remove your existing teeth.

Initial Consultation and Examination

With every patient, getting dentures starts with an initial consultation. During this visit, we’ll discuss your oral health history, conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw.

In many cases, we take X-rays. By doing this, we have a clear picture of the underlying bone structure and the health of any remaining teeth.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing between full and partial dentures depends on several factors:

• Number of Missing Teeth: If you’re only missing some teeth, partial dentures may be the way to go. Full dentures are considered when most or all of the teeth are missing.
• Oral Health: The health of any remaining teeth and gums influences the decision. Partial dentures require healthy teeth to anchor onto, while full dentures are often the choice when extensive tooth loss or gum disease is present.
• Personal Preference: Although we strive to get patients to keep their natural teeth as long as possible, some like the idea of a ‘fresh start’ with full dentures.

So how do we decide to recommend full or partial dentures? When you have some natural teeth remaining, partial dentures are usually a suitable solution. Partial dentures are anchored to the existing teeth with clasps or precision attachments and fill in the spaces created by missing teeth.

As you can imagine, when all the natural teeth are missing, full dentures are recommended. They rest on the gums and are removed for cleaning.

Some patients might have teeth that need to be removed due to decay or damage. Depending on the severity, those teeth would need to be removed and the patient given full dentures.

Once we’ve determined the type of denture that best suits your needs, the process of creating your custom dentures begins. At Cleveland Smile Center, we use the latest technology to make dentures.

Our partial dentures are made without any metal. These flexible partials have clasps that are tooth and gum colored, making them almost invisible when you smile. The artificial teeth are set in a pink acrylic material that resembles gums.

Full dentures can be supported and retained in place by dental implants. Ask us about Snap-On Implant Dentures and Full Arch (All-On-4) Implants for more permanent, amazing solutions to replace your missing teeth.

The Process of Getting Dentures

1. Impressions: The dentist will make precise molds of your mouth to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. We take digital impressions that do not cause you to gag and are very comfortable.
2. Models: Before the final dentures are made, models of the shape and position of your future dentures are constructed so that you can try them out before the permanent ones are created.
3. Extractions and Final Dentures: Once the dentures are finished, you will come in to have your teeth gently removed and the new dentures placed in the same day!
4. Adjustments: For the first 3 months after receiving your new dentures, you can return for adjustment visits to ensure the most comfortable long-term fit.

Getting Used to Your Dentures and Ongoing Care

It’s important to understand that patients have adjustment period to get used to wearing dentures. Speaking and eating may feel different initially. When wearing the dentures, they might feel loose until the cheek and tongue muscles learn to keep them in place.

Just like natural teeth, dentures require ongoing oral care. Regular brushing, soaking in a denture cleaning solution, and handling them with care are essential. Even with dentures, regular dental check-ups are still needed to ensure the health of your gums and to monitor the fit of your dentures.

Choosing between full and partial dentures is a decision we know is important for our patients. At Cleveland Smile Center, we make sure to consider your needs and lifestyle. Our goal is to help you restore your smile in a way that feels comfortable, looks natural, and serves you well in your daily life.

Remember, a confident smile can be life-changing, and with today’s technology, dentures can provide that boost with comfort and style.  Contact the Cleveland Smile Center team today to schedule a free denture consultation.

Have a question? Reach out to us!

Aurora  330-954-1000 | Cuyahoga Falls  330-633-6420 | Bedford / Oakwood Village  440.735.1600 | Westlake  440.777.5757