Full Dentures vs. Partial Dentures
The right type depends mainly on how many natural teeth you have left and how healthy they are.
|
Full Denture |
Partial Denture |
| Replaces |
All teeth in the upper or lower arch |
One or more missing teeth in an arch |
| How It Stays in Place |
Suction and a close fit against the gums |
Clasps or attachments on remaining teeth |
| Keeps Natural Teeth |
No |
Yes |
| Can Be Supported by Implants |
Yes |
Yes |
If your remaining teeth are healthy, a partial denture lets you keep them while filling the gaps. If the remaining teeth are badly decayed, loose, or failing, a full denture may be the more predictable long-term choice. When only one or two teeth in a row are missing, a fixed dental bridge may also be an option.
Types of Dentures We Offer
Dr. Bartz will help you choose the option that fits your mouth, your lifestyle, and your budget:
- Conventional Full Dentures: Made after any tooth extractions have healed, these offer the most precise fit for the long term.
- Immediate Dentures: Placed on the same day teeth are removed, so you never have to go without teeth while your gums heal.
- Cast Metal Partials: A thin, strong metal framework with tooth-colored teeth, designed for durability and a secure fit.
- Flexible Partials: Made from a flexible nylon resin with gum-colored clasps that blend in, often chosen for comfort and appearance.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Dentures that snap onto or are fixed to dental implants for far greater stability than traditional dentures.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Traditional lower dentures in particular can be hard to keep in place, since the tongue and cheek muscles constantly move against them. Placing as few as two to four implants in the jaw gives a denture something solid to attach to. Snap-in overdentures can be removed for cleaning, while fixed implant dentures stay in place full time and are removed only by the dentist.
Implants also stimulate the jawbone, which helps slow the bone shrinkage that makes traditional dentures loosen over time. Our team includes a periodontist experienced with implant placement and with evaluating failing implants.
Struggling With Loose or Uncomfortable Dentures?
After teeth are removed, the jawbone gradually changes shape, so even a denture that fit perfectly at first can loosen over the years. A poorly fitting denture is more than an annoyance, as it can cause sore spots, make chewing difficult, and speed up bone loss. Signs it’s time for an evaluation include:
- Slipping or Clicking: The denture moves when you talk, laugh, or chew.
- Relying on Adhesive: You need more and more denture paste to keep it in place.
- Sore Spots or Irritation: Red, tender areas on your gums that don’t go away.
- Worn or Chipped Teeth: Flattened denture teeth chew less efficiently and can change your bite.
- Changes in Your Appearance: A sunken look around the lips and cheeks can mean the denture no longer supports your face properly.
Depending on the condition of your denture, Dr. Bartz may recommend a reline to refit its base to your gums, a repair, a new denture, or converting to an implant-supported option.
The Denture Process
Making a well-fitting denture takes several appointments over a few weeks:
- Consultation and Exam: Dr. Bartz evaluates your gums, remaining teeth, and jawbone with X-rays and discusses your goals.
- Extractions, If Needed: Any teeth that can’t be saved are removed, with sedation available for your comfort.
- Impressions and Measurements: Detailed impressions and bite records capture the shape of your mouth and how your jaws come together.
- Try-In: You’ll try a wax version of your denture so we can check the fit, bite, tooth shape, and color before it’s finished.
- Delivery and Adjustments: Your final denture is fitted, and follow-up visits fine-tune any pressure points as your mouth adjusts.
Adjusting to New Dentures
The first few weeks with new dentures take some practice. Your cheeks and tongue need time to learn to hold the denture in place, and some extra saliva and minor sore spots are normal early on. Starting with soft foods cut into small pieces, chewing on both sides at once, and reading aloud to practice speech all help you adjust faster. Most patients feel comfortable within a few weeks, and we’ll schedule follow-up visits to make adjustments along the way.
Caring for Your Dentures
Remove your dentures at night to give your gums a chance to rest, and keep them in water or a denture-soaking solution so they don’t dry out and warp. Brush them daily with a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner, since regular toothpaste can scratch the surface. If you have a partial, brush your natural teeth carefully, especially the ones the clasps rest against. Avoid hot water, which can distort the acrylic.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
In the U.S., a conventional full denture typically costs about $1,000 to $3,000 per arch, with a national median near $1,800. Partial dentures generally range from about $700 to $2,500 per arch depending on the material, with cast metal frameworks toward the higher end. Implant-supported dentures are a larger investment, often $4,500 to $15,000 or more per arch, because they include the implants themselves.
Most insurance plans cover dentures as major restorative care at around 50% after the deductible. Patients without insurance can save 20% on dentures through the KB Dental Membership Plan, and we’ll provide a written estimate before treatment begins.
