Dentures are an affordable, effective, comfortable option when it comes to replacing missing or lost teeth. Consisting of a sturdy base custom-fitted for each wearer’s mouth, they come in either full or partial styles. To find out more about these and which one is best for your dental needs, take a look at the guide below.

Full

Full dentures are used to replace full sets of natural teeth which have either been lost due to decay or other oral health problems or due to extraction. Before they can be fitted, it’s often necessary to remove any remaining natural teeth along the upper or lower jaw for the best results.

These consist of a gum-colored acrylic or plastic base with a set of acrylic or porcelain replacement teeth crafted to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. The base is custom-made to fit snugly and comfortably on the gums, and the whole set must be taken out and cleaned daily before leaving it to soak in a denture cleaning solution overnight.

Partial

A dentist may recommend partial dentures for patients missing three or more teeth next to each other, as long as the remaining natural teeth are sound and healthy. Partial dentures are typically made from the same plastic or acrylic materials as full sets.

The primary difference in construction is a thin metal framework which can be secured to the surrounding natural teeth at the gum line to hold one or more replacement teeth firmly in place. These must also be removed at night for cleaning and to reduce the risk of discomfort and infection.

Interested in learning more about how dentures can restore your smile to its original brilliance? Then get in touch with North Chautauqua Dental PC in Dunkirk, NY. Since 1980, these dentists have offered a wide range of solutions for patients of all ages, including cleaning, root canals, and extractions. They also offer cosmetic dentistry treatments such as whitening and dental implants. Call (716) 366-6822 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online to learn more about their services.