Partial vs. Full Dentures
Dentures are available in two types: partial and full. We utilize partial to replace one or more teeth but less than a complete arch of teeth (all teeth on the top or bottom). Full replace an entire arch of teeth.
How Dentures Work
The replacement teeth are set in the denture base. The denture base is usually some type of plastic, though it might also be metal or rubber. The replacement teeth themselves might be made of either plastic or ceramic, depending on the design.
Partial dentures depend on your remaining natural teeth for support. With either hooks, clasps, or protrusions from the base, a partial denture encircles your natural teeth. This helps hold the partial denture in place, though it is expected that your remaining teeth will bear most of the force of biting and chewing.
Without natural teeth to help secure them, a full depends on suction to hold them in place, while a partial also rely on suction as a secondary method to secure them. Suction is not a very strong force to hold them in place. It is even weaker if not properly fitted.
Benefits of Dentures
If you are considering your tooth replacement options in Palmetto Bay, FL, you need to factor in the benefits and limitations of each option. While these offer some benefits, they might have more limitations.
Dentures can:
- Replace any number of missing teeth
- Make your smile look whole
- Brace remaining natural teeth
- Restore some chewing force
With partial or full dentures, you can replace any number of missing teeth. These replacement teeth will make your smile look whole again. If you have remaining teeth, a partial denture will keep them from drifting out of place. Dentures can also restore some of your lost bite force.
Limitations
However, dentures also come with limitations, such as:
- Limited bite force
- Often come out of place
- Painful gums
- Jawbone shrinks
- Additional care is required to avoid smells and stains
With dentures, you have a limited amount of force you can bite with. This is because they direct bite force to the gums, which are not strong enough to bear the full force of biting. (Natural teeth and dental implants direct force into the bone.)
These can also become loose and often come out of place, especially if they are in need of a refit or reline, which you should do at least once or twice a year.
Putting pressure on gums can make them hurt. In addition, they can hurt your gums by sliding around or by letting food get underneath between the prosthesis and your gums. Since the removable dental prosthesis does not put force into the bones, the body might think your jaw bone isn’t necessary anymore. It removes the bone from the jaw, causing it to shrink. This can affect your appearance and make your jaw more likely to break from trauma such as a fall.
Dentures require additional care to avoid smells and stains. You should rinse your them after eating. In addition, you should brush every night and soak them overnight.
Implant dentures or all-on-4 dental implants eliminate most of the limitations seem with traditional ones.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures use dental implants to secure these restorations to your jaw. Instead of using suction to hold these in place, they secure to implants using either screws, cement, or special attachments. This makes them very secure.
With implant dentures, you can chew almost as well as with natural teeth. The implants direct bite force into the bone, as with natural teeth. This not only makes your bite stronger but also helps preserve your jawbone.
See our dental implant page to learn more.
Quality Dentures in Palmetto Bay, FL
If you are looking for quality dentures in Palmetto Bay, FL, please contact Luxe Smiles. Dr. Naranjo and Dr. Testar are passionate about providing quality dentistry.
Please call or use our online form today to request an appointment at Luxe Smiles in Palmetto Bay, FL.
