Denture Types Guide: Differences Between Complete, Partial and Temporary Dentures, and Fabrication Steps
Dentures are divided into complete and partial dentures depending on whether any natural teeth remain. When an upper or lower jaw has no teeth, a complete denture is made; when some teeth remain, a partial denture is made that is clasped onto those teeth. They are also classified as resin-base or metal-base according to the base material, and there are temporary dentures worn while waiting for the new denture.
Key facts
| Complete denture candidates | When there are no teeth at all in the upper or lower jaw (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, 국민건강보험공단)) |
|---|---|
| Partial denture candidates | When a partial denture can be made using the remaining teeth (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, 국민건강보험공단)) |
| Insured denture types | Resin-base and metal-base complete dentures; clasp-retained metal-base partial dentures (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, 국민건강보험공단)) |
| Dentures excluded from coverage | Dentures using gold, titanium or other metals, and special partial dentures such as attachment types (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, 국민건강보험공단)) |
| Steps for insured dentures | Complete dentures steps 1 to 5, partial dentures steps 1 to 6 (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, 국민건강보험공단)) |
How do complete and partial dentures differ?
Under National Health Insurance Service standards, a complete denture is made when there are no teeth at all in the upper or lower jaw. Because it stays in place by adhering broadly to the gums and palate, it tends to move when speaking or chewing, and a lower complete denture in particular takes time to get used to.
A partial denture is secured by metal clasps hooked onto the remaining teeth. Because the teeth the clasps hold on to grip the denture, it moves less than a complete denture, but those teeth bear extra load and trap food easily, so managing cavities and gum disease is more important.
- Complete denture: covers an entire jaw and is retained by suction to the gums
- Partial denture: fills only the gaps and is retained by clasps on the remaining teeth
- Temporary denture: used briefly before the final denture is completed
What is the difference between resin-base and metal-base?
The base part of a denture is called the denture base. If made only of pink resin it is resin-base, and if a thin metal framework is included it is metal-base. Metal-base is chosen because it can be made thin, which reduces the foreign feeling of covering the palate, and it resists bending.
Under health insurance, both resin-base and metal-base complete dentures are covered, while for partial dentures only clasp-retained metal-base types are covered. Dentures using metals such as gold or titanium, and attachment dentures fixed with hidden devices like snap buttons, are excluded from coverage.
When is a temporary denture used?
According to NHIS guidance, a temporary complete denture can be worn for 1 to 2 months after the remaining teeth are newly extracted, before the final complete denture is made. A temporary partial denture is used to fill the gaps while a clasp-type partial denture is being made.
Right after extraction, the shape of the gums and bone keeps changing, so a final denture made immediately may soon become loose. A temporary denture maintains chewing, speech and appearance while waiting for the gums to settle, after which the impression for the final denture is taken.
What steps are involved in making a denture, and how do you adapt to it?
Insured dentures are made in divided treatment steps, with costs paid at each step: 5 steps for a complete denture and 6 steps for a partial denture. Several visits are needed for impressions, bite records, checking the arrangement of artificial teeth, and fitting the finished denture. Switching to another dental clinic during fabrication is restricted, and if you stop, you must pay the costs up to that step.
At first you may have more saliva, awkward speech, and sore gums from pressure. Start with soft foods, practice chewing evenly on both sides, and do not put up with sore spots; have them adjusted. After meals, remove the denture, brush it with a dedicated brush, and rinse your mouth.
What should be compared when choosing a denture type?
The first thing to consider is how many teeth remain and where they are. If remaining teeth are evenly distributed on both sides to hold clasps, a partial denture is stable. If they are concentrated on one side or loose, the design is difficult, so options such as extracting some teeth and moving to a complete denture, or adding implant support, are also considered.
Resin-base is relatively easy to repair and reline, while metal-base is thin and strong with less foreign feeling. The cost differs greatly depending on whether you choose an insured denture or an uninsured denture such as an attachment type with no visible clasps, so it is best to decide by weighing appearance, ease of care and budget together.
Common myths and facts
Myth: A partial denture puts no burden on the remaining teeth.
The teeth that hold the clasps share the force that retains the denture and also trap food easily. The clasp teeth must be cleaned carefully and checked regularly for the denture to last.
Myth: At age 65 and over, any denture is covered by insurance.
Covered dentures are resin-base and metal-base complete dentures and clasp-retained metal-base partial dentures. Dentures using gold or titanium and special partial dentures such as attachment types are excluded.
Frequently asked questions
How many remaining teeth are needed for a partial denture?
What matters is less a set number than whether the remaining teeth are strong enough to hold clasps. NHIS standards also treat cases where a partial denture can be made with the remaining teeth as eligible for partial dentures.
Are loose teeth extracted before making a denture?
If a tooth is so loose that it cannot hold a clasp or will soon fall out, it may be extracted first for a stable design. Whether a tooth can be saved is judged by the dentist based on the condition of the jawbone.
Can I sleep with my denture in?
You are often advised to remove the denture at night so the gums can rest. Storage methods may differ by denture material, so ask your dentist how to store it when you first receive it.
Can I clean dentures with regular toothpaste?
The abrasives in regular toothpaste can leave fine scratches on the denture surface, so a dedicated denture cleanser and a soft brush are often recommended. Denture cleanser is for soaking and cleaning the denture and must not be used to rinse the mouth.
Can I have a partial denture and an implant together?
Yes. The National Health Insurance Service states that it allows insured implants and insured partial dentures for ages 65 and over to overlap. The partial denture design depends on implant positions, so it is best to plan both treatments together.
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