South Austin Dentist Explains the Difference between Full Dentures and Partial Dentures

Posted by & filed under Dentures, Restorative Dentistry.

Replacing Missing Teeth in South Austin

Our South Austin dentist, Dr. Steven Van Wicklen, offers several options for replacing missing teeth, from dental implant restorations, to removable appliances, full dentures, and partial dentures. If you have missing teeth, do not wait for more dental issues to crop up as a result. Address tooth loss with restorative dentistry from our South Austin dentist. In this blog, Dr. Van Wicklen will describe two popular options for replacing multiple teeth and their differences.

Full Dentures in South Austin

The traditional choice for multiple tooth replacement, dentures, help patients who have no remaining natural teeth to reclaim tooth function. Speech and chewing ability can be improved with dentures. Additionally, full dentures can help edentulous patients (patients with no existing teeth) regain the vertical height to correct sunken in or collapsed-looking facial structure. Our dentures are made from acrylic, offering lightweight dental restoration. The dentures are shaped and dyed to look like a natural set of teeth. Dentures are removable and can be held in place using suction or denture paste. These dental restorations should be removed at night for cleaning.

Partial Dentures in Austin

For patients who are missing multiple teeth in an arch, partial dentures can replace many teeth at once even if the patient has some remaining natural teeth. Partial dentures can fit over remaining teeth, making them removable for cleaning. However, unlike dentures, partial dentures can also be fixed to your mouth. Called fixed partial dentures, or a crown and bridge, these dental restorations attach to a remaining tooth with a crown, while acrylic teeth cover the gap of missing teeth. To maintain fixed partial dentures, or dental bridges, your South Austin dentist can give instructions for special flossing and interdental brushing techniques. 

To find out if you’re a candidate for restorative dentistry or to reserve an appointment with Dr. Van Wicklen, call our Austin dentist office at (512) 448-3131 or visit us online at southaustindentist.com.