How does one wear a removable partial denture?
Removable partial dentures are made up of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases which connect by metal framework. Removable dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments. Precision attachments are more esthetic than metal clasps. It’s also great that they are nearly invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth could improve the fit of a removable partial denture. Precision attachments on dentures cost more than those with metal clasps. Talk to your dentist to see which type is suitable for you.
How long should I wear the denture?
Your dentist will give you specific instruction about how long the denture should be worn and when it should be removed. Initially, you may be asked to wear your partial denture all the time. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it is the quickest way to identify those denture parts that may need adjustment. If the denture puts too much pressure on a particular area, that spot will become sore. Your dentist will adjust the denture to fit more comfortably. After making adjustments, your dentist will probably recommend that you take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning.
How long will it take to get used to wearing a denture?
For the first few weeks, your new partial denture may feel awkward or bulky. However, your mouth will eventually become accustomed to wearing it. Inserting and removing the denture will require some practice. Follow all instructions given by your dentist. Your denture should fit into place with relative ease. Never force the partial denture into position by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps.
Will the denture change how I speak?
It can be difficult to speak clearly when you are missing teeth. Consequently, wearing a partial denture may help. If you find it difficult to pronounce certain words with your new denture, practice reading out loud. Repeat the words that give you trouble. With time, you will become accustomed to speaking properly with your denture.
Will it be difficult to eat with a partial denture?
Replacing missing teeth should make eating a more pleasant experience. Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on the denture. Avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard. You may want to avoid chewing gum while you adjust to the denture.
How do I take care of my denture?
Handling a denture requires care. It’s a good idea to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water just in case you accidentally drop the denture. Brush the denture each day to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing your denture helps prevent the appliance from becoming permanently stained. It’s best to use a brush that is designed for cleaning dentures. A denture brush has bristles that are arranged to fit the shape of the denture. A regular, soft-bristled toothbrush is also acceptable. Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can damage the denture.
Your dentist can recommend a denture cleaner. Look for denture cleansers with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Products with the ADA Seal have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
Some people use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid to clean their dentures, which are both acceptable. Other types of household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and should not be used for cleaning dentures.
Clean your dentures by thoroughly rinsing off loose food particles. Moisten the brush and apply the denture cleaner. Brush all denture surfaces gently to avoid damaging the plastic or bending the attachments.
A denture could lose its proper shape if it is not kept moist. At night, the denture should be placed in soaking solution or water. However, if the appliance has metal attachments, they could be tarnished if placed in soaking solution. Your dentist can recommend the proper method for keeping your dentures in good shape.
Will my denture need adjusting?
Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, resulting in a loose-fitting denture. Dentures that do not fit properly should be adjusted by your dentist. Loose dentures can cause various problems, including sores or infections. See your dentist promptly if your denture becomes loose.
Can I make minor adjustments or repairs to my denture?
You can do serious harm to your denture and to your health by trying to adjust or repair your denture. A denture that is not made to fit precisely by a dentist can cause irritation and sores. Using a do-it-yourself kit can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold over-the-counter often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture.
If your denture no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, see your dentist immediately. In many cases, dentists can make necessary adjustments or repairs, often on the same day. Complicated repairs may require that the denture be sent to a special dental laboratory.
How often should I see my dentist?
Your dentist will advise you on the frequency of dental visits. Regular dental check-ups and having your teeth professionally cleaned are vital for maintaining a healthy smile.
Must I do anything special to take care of my mouth?
Brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily help prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease that can lead to tooth loss. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate how to properly brush and clean between teeth. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important.
How can I fill in the gap in my teeth?
A bridge, a method used to replace missing teeth, is used to attach artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth. Bridges can be permanently applied or can be removable.
Bridges that are fixed are applied by either bonding the artificial teeth to the abutment teeth or by placing crowns on the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or with precision attachments.
I just got my dentures relined but they feel loose. Should I be worried?
There are multiple reasons why your dentures are loose. For one, if your teeth don’t come together in a balanced bite, you will have wobbly dentures while eating. If a denture is too long in some certain regions, the mouth muscles will move it around while eating or talking. If its too short, then the vital areas of the mouth won’t be covered, so the dentures won’t stay in place. Loose dentures could also be because of health issues. Ask yourself these following questions: Am I taking medication or just changed my medication? Have I gained or lost weight suddenly? Can my health be better than it is now? Do I have a lot of stress? Furthermore, the amount of remaining bone structure in your oral area and the amount of production of saliva are contributing factors.
With dentures, is there anything special I must do to care for my mouth?
Plaque removal and stimulated circulation are vital for healthy gums. I recommend that you get into the habit of removing your dentures and brushing your gums, tongue and palate with a very soft toothbrush once or twice a day. This contributes to the health of the tissue and the likelihood of success with your dentures. Denture wearers should not chew gum because this action places excessive strain on the temporomandibular (jaw) joint, which can lead to future problems. When eating, be careful not to bite off hard foods with your front teeth. This will result in irritation of the ridges and accelerated bone loss. Quite possibly, one long-term effect may be that future dentures are harder to fit.
Is it okay to regularly use an adhesive to keep my dentures in place?
Dentures are made to fit precisely. But, in rare cases, individuals might have to use adhesives if they have experienced excessive bone loss, if they produce an irregular amount or consistency of saliva, or if they experience gag reflex problems. What if you’re caught in a sticky situation (no pun intended), one where your dentures have come loose but you can’t get immediate access to a denture clinic? Adhesives to the rescue — but only until you are able to visit your dentist. A note of caution: Denture adhesives offer a false sense of security and lead to unreasonable expectations for stability. At best, they provide a temporary solution. They should not replace the services of a dentist. Prolonged use of adhesives could result in eventual bone loss. Remember that an ill-fitting denture translates into constant irritations and even the development of soreness.
I only have a few teeth missing and the dentist recommends a partial denture. Why is this necessary?
A partial denture fills the empty spaces in your mouth and keeps your other teeth from moving in strange new directions. Not only would your smile have a whole new look – which you weren’t intending to get – but you could also have problems chewing or speaking. A precisely-fitting partial results in proper chewing while maintaining general oral health. If the tooth space does not get “filled,” here’s what will likely happen: one or more of the remaining teeth may lift (extrude), exposing part of the sensitive root structure to bacteria and debris inside the mouth. This could lead to tooth decay and eventual, permanent loss.
A partial denture also works well for those who have a full upper denture and a few teeth missing on the lower. The partial helps to balance your occlusion, while allowing you to chew and speak properly. Overall, the partial will contribute to the success of your upper denture. So be sure you get those missing teeth replaced. You’ll prevent your jaw from moving out of position, thus preventing a lot of unnecessary problems.
Will I have to give up my favourite foods?
The answer is NO. Don’t think that you’ll be “biting off more than you can chew” when you begin wearing dentures. But do understand that you will have to change the way you eat some foods. Tip: don’t “bite off” food, cut it into smaller portions. Dentures should be removed for a period of time each day. Most people find it convenient to do this at bedtime. As with teeth, you must take care of your dentures. It is also important that you visit your dentist annually for a thorough oral examination.
What is the best way to care for my dentures?
You can use commercial powders, toothpaste, or tables to clean your dentures along with a good quality denture brush. Hold your dentures over a water filled-sink or a folded towel when cleaning, so they will be less likely to break. Rinse thoroughly in water after cleaning. In the case of metal partial dentures, read instructions carefully on any cleaner that you apply. With soft-liner dentures, do not exceed twenty minutes of soaking. A stronger professional strength cleaner is available to smokers. See your dentist for an ultrasonic cleaning if you have plaque and tartar build-up on your dentures. Do not use boiling water, abrasive cleaners, or bleach. They will damage your dentures.
