A Look at Full vs. Partial Dentures

The absence of one or more teeth is an ongoing problem in the United States. In fact, 36 million people in the United States do not have any teeth, according to the American College of Prosthodontists.

Many patients turn to dentures to replace their missing teeth. These prosthetics restore oral function, allowing patients to once again chew and speak naturally.

At Bell Dental in Lake, Jackson, TX, Doctors Brian Bell and Justin Crocker offer high-quality, customized dentures. We also offer dental implants as a more stable alternative that anchors dentures directly in the jawbone. Here, we explain your restorative options, including full vs. partial dentures.

What’s the Difference Between Full and Partial Dentures?

Dentures are a removable prosthetic that is designed to replace the look and feel of missing teeth. The synthetic teeth and acrylic base are placed over your gums, and can be removed as needed.

Full, or complete, dentures are used to replace an entire row of teeth when all the teeth in upper or lower jaw are missing.

Partial dentures fill in gaps and are used when some natural teeth remain. Partial dentures may recommended if:

• You have missing teeth in different areas of the mouth
• You do not have any natural teeth that are healthy enough to support a dental bridge
• The span of missing teeth is too large for a dental bridge

Before your full or partial denture is fabricated, we will take careful measurements and impressions of your jaws and any remaining teeth. The lab technicians will use this information to craft a custom denture.

Benefits of Full or Partial Dentures

Whether they rest on the gums or are anchored by implants, full and partial dentures improve oral function and have a positive impact on the quality of life on patients.

Those benefits include:

• Full-looking smiles
• Restored chewing function
• Improved facial structure
• Better oral health
• Improved clarity and ease of speech
• Higher self-esteem
• Greater confidence when speaking in public

Missing Teeth Statistics

The following facts and figures are based on statistics published by the American College of Prosthodontists.

• Around 15 percent of individuals who are missing multiple teeth have dentures made each year in the United States.
• More than 120 million people in the United States are missing one or more teeth.
• The leading causes of tooth loss are decay, gum disease, injury, cancer, and normal wear.
• Among the elderly in this country, 12 million are missing one arch of teeth while around 23 million are missing all their teeth.
• Upwards of 90 percent of individuals who are missing several teeth have dentures.
• The number of individuals in this country who are missing one or more teeth will increase to more than 200 million in the next 15 years.

Experience the Benefits of Full or Partial Dentures

Before you are custom fitted for full or partial dentures, Dr. Bell or Dr. Crocker will discuss your goals for the restorative treatment. By listening to your desired goals, we can better serve you as a person, not just as a patient. Whether you need a full or partial denture, Bell Dental will tailor your new prosthetic so you can fully enjoy the benefits of restored teeth.

To learn more about the restorative benefits of custom, high-quality dentures, contact our office online today or call (979) 297-1201.