Partial dentures are used when you still have some natural teeth remaining. They fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and are typically held in place by clasps that attach to your existing teeth. Full dentures, on the other hand, replace an entire arch of teeth (upper, lower, or both) and are used when all natural teeth are missing or need to be removed. Full dentures rest directly on the gums and are held in place by suction or dental adhesive.

The adjustment period can vary for each individual, but typically it takes a few weeks to a couple of months to fully adapt to new dentures. Partial dentures may have a shorter adjustment period as you still have some natural teeth for reference. Full dentures might take a bit longer as your mouth adjusts to the feeling of a complete set of artificial teeth. During this time, you may experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and changes in speech patterns, all of which should improve with time and practice.

Both partial and full dentures allow you to eat a wide variety of foods, but there may be an adjustment period. With partial dentures, you'll likely adapt more quickly as you still have natural teeth to assist with chewing. For full dentures, start with softer foods cut into small pieces and gradually introduce harder foods as you become more comfortable. Avoid extremely sticky or hard foods that might dislodge or damage your dentures. As you gain confidence, you'll find that you can enjoy most of your favorite foods again.