The Pros and Cons of Full and Partial Dentures

Are dentures the right choice for you? Let’s break it down.

Losing your natural teeth can be a tough experience, whether it happens suddenly or gradually over time. For many Aussies, dentures are a practical and affordable way to restore not only their smile but also their confidence. But like any dental treatment, they come with their own set of benefits and challenges.

If you’re weighing up whether full or partial dentures might be right for you—or just trying to get your head around the differences—this blog is here to help. We’ll go through the pros and cons of both options, touch on what influences dentures cost, and share a few tips to make the decision easier.

What’s the difference between full and partial dentures?

Before we dive into the pros and cons, let’s get clear on what we’re talking about.

• Full dentures: These are designed to replace an entire set of missing teeth—either the top, bottom, or both. They rest directly on your gums and are custom-made to fit your mouth.
• Partial dentures: As the name suggests, these fill in the gaps if you still have some healthy natural teeth left. They often clip onto your remaining teeth for extra stability.

Both options are removable and can be taken out for cleaning or while sleeping. Unlike dental implants, which are surgically fixed, dentures are non-invasive and much more budget-friendly.

The pros of full dentures

Full dentures can be a life-changer for anyone who’s lost all their teeth. Here’s why they’re worth considering:

• Restores function and appearance

Without teeth, chewing and speaking clearly can become a real struggle. Full dentures bring back normal function and give you a natural-looking smile.

• Affordable compared to implants

If you’ve ever looked into dental implants, you’ll know they can be a big investment. Dentures cost significantly less, making them a popular option for retirees or anyone on a tighter budget.

• Custom-made for comfort

Dentures are crafted to fit the shape of your mouth, meaning they can sit quite comfortably once you’ve adjusted. With today’s materials, they often look surprisingly natural too.

• Non-invasive option

No surgery is needed—just a few dental appointments for impressions, fittings, and adjustments. This is a big plus for anyone who wants to avoid lengthy recovery times.

The cons of full dentures

Of course, there are a few challenges with full dentures that are worth keeping in mind:

• Adjustment period

When you first get dentures, they can feel a bit bulky and awkward. It takes time for your mouth muscles and gums to adapt. Eating and speaking may feel strange at first.

• Not as stable as implants

Because they rest directly on your gums, full dentures can sometimes shift around, especially if they’re not fitted perfectly. Adhesives can help, but they’re not foolproof.

• Bone changes over time

When natural teeth are gone, the jawbone can gradually shrink. This can affect the fit of dentures, meaning they may need to be relined or replaced after a few years.

The pros of partial dentures

If you still have some natural teeth, partial dentures might be a better fit. Here’s what makes them appealing:

• Keeps your natural teeth

Partial dentures work alongside your existing teeth, filling in the gaps without replacing everything. This means you can hang on to what nature gave you for as long as possible.

• Improves chewing and speech

Missing teeth can make it tough to chew properly and may even cause a lisp or slurred speech. Partial dentures fix that by bringing back balance to your bite.

• Less expensive than bridges or implants

While dental bridges and implants are strong options, dentures cost far less in most cases. For many Australians, this makes partial dentures a practical solution.

• Easy to repair or adjust

If a partial denture breaks or no longer fits quite right, it’s usually simpler (and cheaper) to fix compared to other dental restorations.

The cons of partial dentures

Partial dentures come with their own downsides too:

• Can feel bulky

Because they’re designed to sit around existing teeth, partial dentures can sometimes feel a little awkward, especially when you’re just starting out.

• Possible pressure on natural teeth

Since they clip onto your remaining teeth, partial dentures can place some strain on them. This means regular check-ups are important to keep everything in balance.

• Not as permanent as implants

Like full dentures, partials are removable. While this makes them easy to clean, it also means they don’t have the same “fixed” stability that implants offer.

What about dentures cost in Australia?

It’s the question everyone asks: “How much do dentures cost?”

The truth is, it depends on a few factors, including:

• Whether you need full or partial dentures
• The materials used (basic acrylic vs premium options)
• How complex your fitting is
• Whether you’re going through the public syste