Full dentures replace all of the teeth in either the upper or lower part of the mouth. Partial dentures replace one to several teeth. Full upper dentures are held in place in the mouth by suction. In some cases when good suction is not possible, the use of denture creams is necessary. Full lower dentures sit on top of the ridge and are held in place by the bony process and at times the tongue.
Lower dentures are more problematic.
Success in wearing a full lower denture is directly related to the amount of existing bone. The greater bone volume the greater the ease in wearing and eating with a full lower denture. P artial dentures are held in place by metal clasps that wrap around some of the remaining teeth. This type of partial is common, successful and affordable. A partial denture can also be retained with hidden clasps.