Full vs. Partial Dentures: Which Is Right for You? By Victor Siegel on February 05, 2016

There was a time when cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry were two entirely different things, and only rarely did the two meet. Cosmetic dentistry was all about making the smile more attractive and appealing on a superficial level, while general dentistry was about improving and maintaining oral health. At the practice of Dr. Victor R. Siegel, however, we believe that the health and the beauty of a smile go hand in hand. Really, you can’t have one without the other.

Take modern dentures, for example. Even 20 years ago, dentures were thought of more as utilitarian devices - if a person needed dentures, the primary goal was to make them as functional as possible. If they happened to fit comfortably, that was a very big bonus. Expecting them to look natural was taking things too far, and frankly, most patients didn’t dare to dream such a lofty dream. Dentures were something you put up with, not something that you were proud to wear.

Modern dentistry has changed everything. Both full and partial dentures are as aesthetically appealing as they are functional and comfortable. When attached to dental implants, they can even represent a viable alternative to natural teeth, something that could not be claimed (with a straight face, anyway) of dentures of the past.

If you are missing several, most, or all of your natural teeth, we urge you to read the following information about full vs. partial dentures provided by our Rockville, MD dentist, Dr. Victor R. Siegel. Then, contact our cosmetic and general dentistry practice today to schedule your initial consultation to learn more about modern dentures and how they can restore form, function, and health to your mouth.

About Full Dentures

Our full dentures are custom crafted to replace all of the teeth on the upper arch, the lower arch, or both arches of your jaws. We use only the finest materials available to ensure a natural appearance and a comfortable, proper fit. Unlike dentures of the past, our dentures are tailored to your mouth to minimize the risk of slipping and shifting and to facilitate speaking and chewing.

About Partial Dentures

Partial removable dentures can be created to replace multiple missing teeth on a single arch. We also offer fixed partial dentures, better known as dental bridges, which can be used to replace consecutive missing teeth on a single arch by attaching replacement teeth to natural teeth via dental crowns.

Implant-supported Dentures

For the most stable and secure dentures available, we can provide you with implant-supported dentures. Both full and partial dentures can be attached to dental implants, tiny titanium screws that are surgically embedded into the jaw, where they act as artificial tooth roots. These “roots” integrate with the jaw bone, essentially becoming part of your natural anatomy; therefore, your dentures will never slip or shift out of place. You will be able to eat, speak, and smile with ease and confidence once again!