Complete vs. Partial Dentures: Dr. Edvin Agadzhanov Explains Which Option May Be Right for You

September 21, 2026 | By Olive Family Dentistry Burbank | Read Time : 5 min

Every week someone sits in my chair, points at a gap, and asks the same question: do I need the whole thing, or just a piece? Fair question.

I'm Dr. Edvin Agadzhanov. Today I want to talk about the benefits of dentures in plain terms. At Olive Family Dentistry, I fit both complete and partial dentures.

Here's what I'll cover: who would need complete dentures, who can preserve their natural teeth, and what it feels like to have them. After reading all the information below, you will know exactly what to ask.

What are the Benefits of Dentures?

Dentures are dental appliances that are used for replacing lost teeth. They restore chewing functions, provide support for your lips and cheeks, and improve speech. It also stops the teeth you have left from drifting into empty spaces.

• The benefits of dentures show up in daily habits far more than in photos
• Bring back real chewing, so you can eat vegetables, meat, and nuts again
• Support the facial muscles that sink inward after tooth loss
• The CDC reports about 1 in 5 adults aged 75 or older have lost all their teeth
• Make S, F, and T sounds clearer, because your tongue needs teeth to press against

What are Complete Dentures?

Complete dentures replace all teeth of the upper or lower jaw. They sit in the gum line due to suction and muscle control, but some adhesive can help keep them in place.

• Upper full dentures hold well because the palate creates suction
• Lower full dentures shift more, since the tongue and jaw push against them
• Implant-supported dentures snap onto posts and grip better than suction alone
• Immediate dentures go in the same day as extractions, then need relining later

What are Partial Dentures?

A partial denture fills gaps left by one or several missing teeth while your natural teeth stay in place. It clasps onto neighboring teeth or rests on them for support.

As a preventive dentist, I would rather save your natural teeth whenever that's realistic. Nothing I make replaces the real thing, and your own roots slow the jawbone shrinkage that follows extractions.

• Cast metal partials use a rigid framework and strong clasps for the best grip
• Flexible partials are metal-free and blend in, but they hold less firmly
• Acrylic partials serve as a temporary fix while you heal or decide
• Partials come out daily, and the clasped teeth need extra cleaning

How are Complete and Partial Dentures Different?

Here's a side-by-side comparison.

Feature	Complete Dentures	Partial Dentures
What it replaces	All teeth in one arch	One or several missing teeth
Natural teeth needed	None	Healthy teeth as anchors
How it stays in	Suction and muscle control	Clasps that grip nearby teeth
Stability	Upper holds well, lower shifts	Better grip, especially metal frames
Typical lifespan	About seven to ten years	Similar, with relines along the way

Why Patients Choose Olive Family Dentistry for Dentures in Burbank

Olive Family Dentistry is our practice. Having graduated from UCLA and having been practicing since 2010, Dr. Dmitriy Aminov was trained at Temple University to specialize in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

• Two dentists in-house for general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant services
• Our patients find our practice by searching for “dentist near me” followed by our telephone number (818) 846-2266
• New patients of every age are welcome, with online appointment requests
• Most insurance plans accepted, plus payment options for larger treatment plans
• Rated Excellent across 89 Google reviews from Burbank, Glendale, and Toluca Lake patients

Here’s what one of our patients had to say:

“The sheer quality of consideration, camaraderie, and care of the staff and dentists here keeps me coming back even though this office is out of my insurance network. They have up-to-date technology and are happy to explain everything they can do for you and with you, when it comes to procedures and insurance.”

My Honest Advice Before You Decide

Don’t wait until your teeth start moving about. Your missing teeth lead to bone loss, alterations in the bite, and further tooth extraction. The examination reveals much more than you could ever guess.

No matter if you need full or partial dentures in Burbank, we will walk you through all the procedures before we start them. Please contact us via phone (818) 846-2266 or make an appointment online at olivefamilydentist.com.

Author Bio:

FAQs

Does Olive Family Dentistry make both complete and partial dentures?

Yes. At Olive Family Dentistry, we make both, and we discuss the benefits of dentures for your situation before you commit. We check your remaining teeth, bone, and bite, then recommend what will hold up best over the next several years.

How do I know if I need complete or partial dentures?

It comes down to what's stable. If most teeth are loose or badly damaged, a complete denture usually makes more sense. If several healthy teeth remain, a partial protects them. An exam and X-rays settle it, because looks alone can't tell you if a tooth can be saved.

Are dentures painful to get or wear?

The fitting isn't painful, because we numb the area during extractions. Wearing them can be sore at first. Pressure spots are common in the first two weeks, and small adjustments are normal. Most people settle in within a month, though lower dentures take longer.

How long do dentures usually last?

Most last roughly seven to ten years with daily care, but the fit changes sooner. Your jaw shrinks after tooth loss, so a reline often comes before replacement. A 2023 review reported complete dentures lasting about ten years on average.

Can I sleep in my dentures?

No, and I'm firm about this one. Wearing them overnight traps moisture and debris against your gums, raising your risk of fungal irritation. Take them out, rinse them, and let the tissue rest. Soak them in cleaner or plain water, never hot water.