Difference Between Complete Dentures & Partial Dentures
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Complete vs Partial Dentures in Canberra:  What’s the Difference?

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Dentures are more than just prosthetic teeth – they’re a chance at gaining a completely new lease on life. Designed to mimic both the function and feel of real teeth, this innovative form of dentistry is the puzzle piece for making eating, speaking and chewing easier. Both complete and partial dentures in Canberra play an important role in the lives of thousands of patients. Let’s explore the differences and how you can choose the right option for you. 

Tooth Loss & It’s Effect on Confidence

Let’s begin by saying, that tooth loss is something we must all face at some stage in our lives. Whether it’s one tooth or a complete loss of top and bottom teeth, it can be a very mentally and emotionally challenging thing to accept. This can not only affect your confidence, it can impact the way you talk, eat and go about everyday life. 

Although ageing isn’t a direct result of tooth loss, the build-up of decay, cavities, health complications, ongoing medications and other long term oral health issues such as diabetes can all be contributing factors – slowly eroding the structure that supports the teeth. 

So, You’re Ready to Explore Tooth Replacement Options? 

Modern dentures provide an excellent solution that restores daily function, aesthetics and comfort. Whether it’s partial or complete dentures, both are designed to replace your missing teeth and give you the confidence to live a better quality of life. 

If you’re ready to make an informed decision about your oral health, it’s important to book a comprehensive oral exam with your local dentist in Canberra and explore the various options available to you. 

. Your dentist will take a precise impression of your gums and teeth and craft a custom mould specifically suited to your mouth. This is done using high quality materials that replicate your natural teeth. Dentures may need to be adjusted in terms of fit, bite and overall appearance to ensure its aligned with your mouth and face structure. If you’re happy with how the dentures look and feel, you can rejoice with a new set of teeth that are personalised just for you. 

For more information on the denture process, click here: 

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dentures

What Are Complete Dentures?

Complete Dentures are constructed when either the upper teeth, lower teeth or sometimes when both rows have been completely lost. A full set of artificial teeth can be custom made by your dentist and designed to fit your mouth, gum and face structure perfectly. This works naturally with your mouth movements and chewability– allowing patients to enjoy daily eating with minimal hassle. 

What Are Partial Dentures?

As the name suggests, partial dentures are designed for patients who still have most of their natural teeth intact but also have a few missing teeth. The partial denture is attached to a light metal frame with small clasps, and is designed to seamlessly fit into where the gaps are located. A partial denture works well at filling empty spaces, retaining a natural appearance and minimising further bite issues. 

5 Ways Partial & Complete Partial Dentures Are Different? 

# Feature Partial Dentures Complete Dentures
1 Retention Capacity Natural teeth act as an anchor to support the denture (metal framework and clasps). Depends on gums and underlying bone strength to stay in place.
2 Teeth Missing Best option when some natural teeth are still remaining. Used when all teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing.
3 Form & Function Includes metal or acrylic framework that fits around natural teeth. Full acrylic plate that replaces an entire row of teeth.
4 Stability & Strength More stable as it attaches to natural teeth. Can move during eating or speaking and may feel less stable.
5 Bone Integrity Helps maintain bone integrity as natural teeth support the jaw. Jaw bone resorption can occur over time due to lack of natural teeth support.

Which One Is Right for Me?

This really depends on your unique situation. Some of the factors to consider include:  how many missing teeth do you have, the health of your existing teeth and overall oral health.

After completing a thorough oral examination, your dentist inCanberra can advise you on what is the best option for your needs. If you still have several healthy teeth remaining, partial dentures are the recommended solution. If the majority of teeth are missing, complete dentures is the best way to go. Your dentist will also take into consideration your lifestyle and personal requirements to ensure you’re comfortable with the final decision.

For a general overview of dental services available in Canberra, click here: https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/dental-adult

Practical Oral Solutions to Help Restore Your Smile

Partial and complete dentures are both excellent options for different reasons. Whichever one you choose to go with, the goal is always the same – dentures are designed to restore confidence, comfort, function and appearance. At My Dentist Canberra, we specialise in partial and complete dentures that supports long term oral health, wellbeing and a better quality of life. Book a confidential consultation today. 

FAQ’S on Complete & Partial Dentures

I’m really not sure if I need partial or complete dentures?

The best thing to do is book a private consultation with your dentist in Canberra who can assess your gums, bone and teeth structure. Generally, if you still have most of your teeth intact with only a few teeth missing, then partial dentures may be the better option. If most of your teeth are missing, complete dentures may be more suitable.

Partial dentures are slightly more flexible as they are constructed with a lightweight metal frame which is supported by existing natural teeth. This can make eating and speaking easier. Complete dentures don’t have existing teeth for support. It relies more on gums and jawbone to support the dentures, which may take longer to get used to.

This comes down to the materials used, daily oral care and other specific changes happening with each individual patient. Generally speaking, most dentures are designed to last anywhere between 5-10 years.
Regular dental check-ups may be needed to ensure customised adjustments, comfort and function.

Just like anything new, it takes time to adjust to a new way of life. Modern dentures are designed to make chewing ability easier and improve comfort while eating. However, adjustments and realignments may be required to ensure the dentures fit your mouth well and not interfere with speaking in the long-term.

It’s recommended you clean dentures daily to keep them in the best condition. This can be done with a denture brush and denture cleaning solution – soaked overnight to keep them fresh and hygienically clean. Regular dental visits are important to ensure good gum health and ensure dentures are properly fitted and not causing too much discomfort.