Full Dentures Guide: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re seeking a solution to restore your smile, confidence, and overall oral functionality, full dentures might be the answer you’ve been searching for. This guide aims to demystify the world of full dentures, taking you through the ins and outs of this transformative dental option. From understanding the various types of full dentures available to learning about the benefits, maintenance, and even addressing common concerns, we’ve got you covered. Embark on a journey to rediscover the joy of a complete and vibrant smile with our in-depth exploration of full dentures.

What Are Full Dentures?

Full dentures are basically sets of replacement teeth for people who’ve lost all their natural teeth. Imagine having a full set of teeth, top and bottom, that you can remove and put back in your mouth. They’re designed to look like real teeth and help with chewing, speaking, and giving you a confident smile. Dentists make sure they fit comfortably, so you can go about your day feeling like yourself again, even if your natural teeth aren’t there anymore.

Types of Full Dentures

There are a few different types of full dentures available, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences. Here are the main types:

Conventional Full Dentures

These are the traditional dentures that are placed after any remaining natural teeth are removed and the gums have healed. They offer a snug fit and require some time for the healing process before being fitted.

Immediate

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are placed right after the natural teeth are removed. They help you avoid the discomfort of being without teeth during the healing period. However, they might need adjustments as your gums heal and change shape.

Implant-Supported

These dentures are attached to dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone. They provide excellent stability and prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone like natural tooth roots.

Removable Dentures

Removable dentures can be taken out for cleaning and sleeping. They rely on suction or dental adhesive to stay in place and are a common option for those transitioning to dentures.

Fixed Dentures

Also known as permanent dentures or implant-fixed dentures, these are securely anchored to dental implants and are not removable by the wearer. They offer exceptional stability and function similar to natural teeth.

Overdentures

These dentures are designed to fit over a small number of remaining natural teeth or dental implants. They can provide enhanced stability and retention compared to traditional dentures.

Choosing the right type of denture depends on your oral health, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Your dentist will guide you through the options to help you make an informed decision.

What is the Difference between Full Dentures and Partial dentures?

The main difference between full dentures and partial dentures lies in the extent of tooth loss they address and their usage. Here’s a breakdown of the contrasts:

Tooth Loss Extent

Full Dentures – These are used when all natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or both, are missing. They provide a complete set of replacement teeth.
Partial Dentures – These are used when some natural teeth remain in the jaw. They fill in gaps caused by missing teeth and are attached to the remaining natural teeth for support.

Functionality

Full Denture – Since they replace all teeth, full dentures restore both chewing ability and the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
Partial Dentures – These also restore chewing ability and appearance but focus on replacing only the missing teeth, leaving the remaining natural teeth intact.

Design and Attachment

Full Dentures – They cover the entire dental arch and are typically held in place by suction against the gums or might be supported by dental adhesive.
Partial Dentures – They consist of a framework that holds the artificial teeth and attaches to the remaining natural teeth using clasps or precision attachments.

Comfort and Fit

Full Dentures – Their fit relies more on the shape of the gums and might require periodic adjustments as the gums change over time.
Partial Dentures – The fit is influenced by the remaining natural teeth and might provide better stability due to their connection with these teeth.

Bone Preservation

Full Dentures – Without natural teeth or dental implants to stimulate the jawbone, there can be some degree of bone resorption over time.
Partial Dentures – Since they replace some missing teeth, they can help maintain the jawbone’s structure to a certain extent.

The choice between the two depends on the patient’s oral health condition, preferences, and budget. Consulting with a dentist will help determine the most suitable option.

What are the benefits of Full Dentures?

Full dentures offer several benefits for individuals who have lost all or most of their natural teeth. Some of the key advantages include:

Enhanced Aesthetics – Full dentures restore a natural-looking smile, boosting self-esteem.
Improved Functionality – Chewing and speech are enhanced, facilitating better communication and diet.
Comfort – Custom-fitted dentures ensure all-day wear without discomfort.
Affordability – A cost-effective solution compared to other tooth replacement options.
Facial Structure – Dentures maintain facial shape, preventing a sunken appearance.
Quick Restoration – Immediate dentures prevent the need to go without teeth during healing.
Customization – Personalized options for tooth color, shape, and arrangement.
Maintenance – Removable nature allows easy cleaning and upkeep.
Muscle Support – Dentures aid facial muscle support, preserving natural expressions.
Versatility – Can be combined with implants for added stability and comfort.

What’s The Minimum Number of Teeth In Dentures?

A full set of dentures typically consists of 32 teeth, which includes 16 teeth in the upper arch and 16 teeth in the lower arch. This arrangement replicates the natural distribution of teeth in the human mouth. However, the exact number and arrangement of teeth can vary based on individual preferences and needs. Some people might opt for variations in tooth shape and arrangement to achieve a more personalized and natural look. Your dentist will work with you to determine the best configuration for your full dentures.

How Long Do Full Dentures Last?

Full dentures have a long lifespan. The American Dental Association, on the other hand, recommends changing them every 5 to 7 years.

Dentures must be cleaned and stored properly to last as long as possible. This can also reduce the risk of developing oral conditions such as fungal infections.

How To Take Care of Your Dentures?

Proper care of dentures is essential to ensure their longevity, comfort, and your oral health. Here’s how to maintain your dentures:

Clean Daily: Remove dentures and rinse them under running water after eating to remove loose food particles. Brush them gently using a soft-bristle denture brush or a toothbrush designed for dentures. Use mild soap or denture cleaner, avoiding abrasive products.

Handle with Care: When cleaning or handling dentures, do so over a folded towel or a basin of water to prevent damage if they’re dropped.
Soak Overnight: Soak dentures in water or a denture cleaning solution overnight. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from drying out.
Regular Oral Hygiene: Even with dentures, it’s important to clean your mouth, gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth every day with a soft toothbrush to remove bacteria and improve circulation.
Regular Check-ups: Visit your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure your dentures fit well and to address any issues promptly.

Remember that proper denture care not only maintains the life of your dentures but also contributes to your overall oral health.

How Much Do Full Dentures Cost?

The price of dentures can vary depending on the type and materials used. Due to the lower quality of the materials, an economy denture will be significantly less expensive than a premium denture.

For one arch, a budget denture can cost between $300 and $500, and for a full set, it can cost up to $1,000. A full set of premium dentures costs between $4,000 and $8,000, or between $2,000 and $4,000 per denture.

What to expect when getting your first denture

The following actions are likely to occur when your dentures are fitted:

Fitting

Getting your mouth ready – Your dentist may have to remove some of your teeth, and they will provide you with temporary dentures. Your dentist will walk you through each step, explain what to anticipate, and provide advice for the time following to keep you at ease and informed.
Making dentures – A mold of your mouth will be used to create your dentures, and your dentist and the dental laboratory will collaborate with you to select the tooth size, color, and shape.
First fitting – Your dentist will have you try on your new dentures and wear them up until your next appointment so that any necessary adjustments can be made. You will receive instructions on how to take care of your denture when your dentist fits your final denture.

Adapting

Once your denture is in place, it might feel strange at first, but your mouth, tongue, and facial muscles will adjust. It might take a little practice to speak and eat normally, but if you go slowly, you’ll soon be back to your normal self. Your dentist can provide you with recommendations for products, such as denture adhesives and cleansers, that will make you feel much more confident while wearing your denture.

Timeline of getting dentures

It may only take a few months from your initial appointment to feel completely at ease with your new dentures. You should expect to see your dentist four or five times over the course of three to six weeks, but this varies from person to person.

Having your dentures fitted has numerous advantages, and the process isn’t as difficult as you might think. You can resume your normal activities once your new denture has been properly fitted.

Summary

For people with complete tooth loss, full dentures are removable prosthetics. It may take some time to get used to them, but they replicate the appearance and functionality of natural teeth.

A full set of dentures can take weeks or even months to complete. Your oral health, the dental office, and the dental lab all play a role in this.