Losing teeth doesn’t have to mean losing confidence—or functionality.

Eating, speaking, or even smiling is something you deserve to do freely. With missing teeth, however, it’s not so easy. That’s why many people turn to dentures.

Choosing between partial dentures vs full dentures is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Both options are designed to bring back comfort and confidence, no matter if you’re missing just a few teeth or an entire set.

In this guide, we’ll break down the big differences so you can make the choice that fits your needs (and budget) perfectly.

What Is Partial Dentures vs Full Dentures

What Are Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures are fully removable appliances designed to replace one or more missing teeth, all the while preserving your natural ones.

They feature a durable metal or plastic base with false teeth custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your existing teeth. These dentures fit snugly around your natural teeth to fill in any gaps you may have and restore functionality.

They’re practical, functional, and easy to wear.

Partial dentures also work best if you still have healthy teeth to anchor them in place. (So if you have one or two missing teeth, this is a great choice to fill in those gaps.)

Partials are for those who want to keep their natural teeth for as long as possible; plus, they are usually more affordable compared to permanent options.

What Are Full Dentures?

Full dentures are removable dental appliances that replace an entire arch of missing teeth—upper, lower, or both. They’re custom-made to fit over your gums, giving you a complete set of teeth where none remain.

They’re ideal if you’ve lost all your natural teeth in one or both jaws due to decay, gum disease, or injury.

The great news about these devices is that they don’t rely on natural teeth for support (unlike partials). It’s able to do this by sitting directly on your gums—and since they sit on your gums, to avoid slipping and discomfort, providers will mold your dentures to match the exact shape of your mouth.

So if you need a full replacement for your teeth, this is the option for you.

5 Big Differences Between Partial Dentures vs Full Dentures

1. Their Purpose

• Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth while keeping your remaining natural teeth intact. They fill gaps and rely on healthy teeth for support.
• Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth (upper, lower, or both and are used when no natural teeth remain.

2. How They Fit

• Partial dentures securely attach to existing teeth using clasps or connectors. This makes them more stable but depends on the health of your remaining teeth.
• Full dentures sit directly on your gums, staying in place because of its custom shape and sometimes adhesive (but only if your gums have fully healed).

3. How to Maintain Them

• Partial dentures
  • Need daily cleaning to remove food particles and plaque.
  • Extra care is required around natural teeth to prevent decay and gum issues.
  • Should be removed at night (to give your gums a break).
• Full dentures
  • Also requires daily cleaning.
  • Are simpler to clean since there are no natural teeth involved.
  • Should be removed and soaked overnight in a denture-cleaning solution.

4. Longevity

• Partial dentures can last anywhere from 3 to 8 years.
• Full dentures usually last 5 to 10 years

The longevity of partial dentures vs full dentures heavily depend on the materials used for each device and the care taken to maintain them.

5. Cost between Partial Dentures vs Full Dentures

• Partial dentures
  • These typically cost less because they only cover a portion of your mouth. However, cost will vary based on materials used, complexity, and location (if you’re going in-person to a dentist), but for the most part is around $500 to $2,500.
  • Our partial dentures start at $329.99.
• Full dentures
  • If you go to a dentist, full dentures tend to cost more due to the materials and precision needed for a complete arch replacement, ranging anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 per arch.
  • Using other providers will run you around $700 per arch.
  • Our Easy Dentures start at $199.99.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing between partial dentures vs full dentures comes down to your needs:

• Do you still have healthy teeth? Partial dentures can fill the gaps while preserving what’s left.
• Do you have complete tooth loss? Full dentures are best for you.

Dental Lab Direct makes both options simple, affordable, and convenient—get started today and smile confidently tomorrow!