Dentures & Partial Dentures

Dentures and Partial Dentures in Fremont, CA

If you are missing a few, most, or even all of your teeth, we can help with dentures and partial dentures.

Here at Chew Dental, we offer many dental restoration services in Fremont, CA. Read some frequently asked questions about dentures and partials to see if one is right for you.

Dentures vs. Partial Dentures: What are the Differences?

There are two main differences between dentures and partials. The first is how many teeth get supplemented, and the second is their lifespan.

The Number of Teeth Being Replaced

Dentures replace an entire dental arch, which is the entire top or bottom set of teeth in your mouth. This means there are 14 false teeth on the top and 14 on the bottom – 28 for a full-set.

Partial dentures usually replace three or more consecutive missing teeth. Just as the name suggests, they only partially replace your teeth.

The Lifespan of Dentures

The average lifespan of a full set of dentures is about ten years. By eating softer foods and taking care of them, you could extend the life of your dentures by a few years.

The lifespan of partial dentures is about 15 years with good care.

Here's What Dentures & Partials Have in Common

Now, what do dentures and partials have in common?

Both can be fixed or temporary (fixed partials are also referred to as a dental bridge)

Both have a lower cost than full implant restoration

Both are usually made from the same materials

What Are Dentures and Partials Made Of?

Dentures and partials are made from a base that is often acrylic or nylon.

Both usually have either acrylic, nylon, or porcelain teeth. Acrylic teeth wear down quicker but usually stay in the base better than porcelain ones. Besides porcelain and acrylic, partials contain metal components to hold them in place and for support.

How Do Dentures Stay in Place?

Each type of denture and partial utilize a different method to keep them locked in place.

Full Dentures

Dentures can be attached to dental implants or natural teeth that get shaped into abutments. They can also simply sit on the gums.

Fixed Dentures - Dentures that attach to implants are permanent (or fixed) dentures. They are held in place by small screws that attach to the implants.
Overdentures - Overdentures are removable dentures that can be placed over implants or even natural teeth that are still leftover.
Removable Dentures - Removable dentures stay in place by having a seamless fit along the gumline. There is a lot of science behind it but put simply – they just stick. For additional security, though, some people choose to use denture glue. The glue ensures a tighter seal between the gums and dentures for added assurance.

Partial Dentures

Since partial dentures don’t have much gum area to stick to, they need to be attached in other ways.

Fixed Partial - Because fixed partials are technically dental bridges, the ways they get attached are the same -- with implants or attached to surrounding teeth using dental cement or a crown.
Removable Partial - Removable partials are held in place by clasps that attach to surrounding healthy teeth.

How Much Do Dentures Cost?

The cost of dentures varies greatly. Some of the main cost factors include additional dental work, the material used, and what type of dentures you get.

An example of additional work you may need is tooth extraction. Oftentimes, patients have a few teeth remaining, but they are weak or damaged. In this case, they need to be pulled because leaving them in will do more harm than good.

Related to the cost of denture materials, nylon is less expensive than acrylic, so using this material will result in a lower final price.

Finally, dentures that use fewer materials will cost less -- particularly partials. The more teeth that are being replaced, the more money it's going to cost.

Will Insurance Cover Dentures and Partials?

Insurance companies consider dentures and partials a “major procedure”, so most will cover 50% of the costs. 50% is usually the most that they will cover.

We do recommend verifying your coverage with your insurance agency first to avoid any surprises.