Understanding your options
A full denture replaces all teeth in an upper or lower jaw. A partial denture fills selected gaps and may use remaining teeth for support. Materials and designs vary according to the mouth and treatment plan.
Benefits and points to consider
Dentures replace teeth lost through decay, gum disease, trauma or other causes. A partial denture fills one or more spaces, while a complete denture replaces all teeth in an arch. Potential benefits include supporting facial tissues, restoring visible teeth and improving the range of foods that can be managed, although chewing will feel different from natural teeth. Acrylic and metal-based designs have different properties. Remaining teeth, available space, bite, dexterity and the shape of the gums all influence the design and expected stability.
Your assessment in Ely
Assessment considers remaining teeth, gums, bite, medical history and what you want the denture to achieve. We explain alternatives where relevant, including bridges or implants.
What treatment involves
Making a denture usually involves records, measurements and trial stages before fitting. New dentures can feel unfamiliar initially. Follow-up adjustments may be needed as you adapt and identify areas of pressure.
Care and next steps
Clean dentures daily using the method advised, and continue cleaning your gums, tongue and remaining teeth. Remove them as instructed. Regular reviews remain important because the mouth changes over time and fit can alter.
Potential benefits
- Can replace several teeth in one appliance
- May support appearance, speech and chewing
- Can be removed for daily cleaning
- Design can sometimes be adjusted if circumstances change
What the treatment involves
- 1Assess your mouth, any remaining teeth and your current denture, so the new design accounts for the space, bite and support available in your mouth.
- 2Take the measurements and impressions, or scans where used, that the laboratory needs to construct a denture shaped to your gums and palate.
- 3Record how your teeth meet and the planned tooth position, so the replacement teeth provide sensible chewing contact and a natural appearance.
- 4Review a trial arrangement in the mouth where applicable, checking the fit, tooth position and appearance before the denture is finished.
- 5Fit the denture, explain how to insert, remove and clean it, and arrange follow-up adjustments as your mouth adapts to the new appliance.
Comparing the options
| Type | Replaces | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Partial denture | Selected teeth | Gums and remaining teeth |
| Complete denture | A full arch | Gums and underlying tissues |
| Implant-supported denture | Several or all teeth | Implants plus oral tissues |
Making an informed decision
Dental treatment should be based on an examination, a clear diagnosis and a conversation about what matters to you. At Broad Street Dental Care, we explain reasonable options, including the choice not to proceed, so you can weigh likely benefits, limitations, costs and maintenance. No webpage can determine whether a treatment is suitable for an individual mouth.
Dr Junaid Abbas Choudhry is the principal dentist at the practice and is registered with the General Dental Council under number 302053. You can also review the practice's independent regulatory information on its Care Quality Commission profile.