WHAT ARE PARTIAL AND FULL DENTURES?
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. Partial dentures are used when there are remaining healthy teeth which help provide retention and strength in resisting chewing forces. Complete, or full, dentures are used when all of the teeth in a jaw are missing, and retention is achieved through suction. Complete dentures are combinations of plastics carefully molded to fit the gums comfortably and securely while providing natural color and aesthetics. Partial dentures also use a combination of plastics, but some sections are made of metal to join parts together and provide strength. The replacement teeth may be made of porcelain or plastic. WHEN ARE DENTURES USED? Partial dentures are used in instances similar to those where a fixed bridge might be used. Partial dentures, however, are used exclusively when the remaining teeth are not strong enough to support the missing teeth as they do with fixed bridges. With a partial denture the gums and bone of surrounding areas provide
