A partial denture is used when you are missing one or more teeth on an arch. To be able to wear a partial denture you must have some natural teeth remaining. Today we are going to answer the question ‘what are partial dentures’, what you can expect from the procedure and how long it takes.
What Are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are removable dentures that can replace missing teeth in your lower or upper jaw. If you are missing a full arch, your dentist will recommend a complete or full denture instead.
Partials consist of a plate with one or more artificial teeth. The denture can be made out of metal or it can be a combination of metal and plastic.
What’s Best? Plastic Or Plastic And Metal Partial Dentures?
A plastic partial is more cost-effective, however, it may do damage to the adjacent natural teeth. Plastic prostheses are quicker to make and they can be faster to repair if broken.
Metal dentures are stronger and lighter to wear, which can make them more comfortable for you, but they are generally more expensive.
What Are Partial Dentures Benefits?
Dentures offer a number of important benefits for your oral health including
- Replacing missing teeth above your gum line
- Preventing your remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place
- Enabling you to bite and chew comfortably
- Enabling you to speak clearly and with confidence.
To keep it in good shape and to ensure your mouth has a chance to heal and recover you will remove your partial at night to clean it, and leave it out of your mouth when you go to sleep. Because it sits on your gums, wearing it too much can cause discomfort. Cleaning your partial keeps it in good condition and also helps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
While dentures have been considered to be less comfortable than other tooth replacements, modern dentures have advanced and are now producing a more comfortable and more natural-looking result than ever. Suction dentures and digital dentures are more precise, better fitting and make getting a replacement much quicker and more efficient.
Flexible dentures are designed to fit the unique contours of your mouth more closely, making you more confident. Flexible dentures are made from thermoplastic and do not have any visible metal clips. To make sure they are flexible enough to fit snugly, they need to be warmed up in some water for a few minutes.
The Importance Of The Right Fit
When you first receive your partial dentures, they will fit perfectly. You’ll be able to speak and chew confidently. While they might be a little uncomfortable at first, once you have worn them for a few days you will get used to the sensation and they will start to feel more natural.
Over the course of time, however, your gum shape and contours will change a little. This could be due to weight loss or changes in your gum tissue. What it means is that your partial denture may not fit as perfectly as it did at first. If you don’t address this issue, it can cause irritation to your gums.
Having your dentures relined by your dentist will address this so your partial fits better and is more comfortable.
Relining is a convenient alternative to having a new or replacement partial made. It’s quicker and more cost-effective.
How Long Does It Take?
It may take a few weeks for your dentures to be made, but you will be issued with a temporary partial while you wait.
Caring For Your Partial
- Cleaning your partial every day keeps it free of plaque deposits and looking newer for longer. Always make sure you use a different toothbrush for your natural teeth, and do not use toothpaste when cleaning your partial.
- Rinse your partial after eating.
- It’s best to remove partials before cleaning and to handle them carefully as dropping them can cause them to break. Use a mild soap or denture cleanser to remove any visible food debris or plaque. If you need to remove plaque deposits, you can soak your denture in a solution of half water and half vinegar or hydrogen peroxide or in some denture soak solution. Make sure you rinse your partial well before putting it back in your mouth.
- Always store your partial in water overnight. This stops it from drying out and becoming brittle.
For help with ‘what are partial dentures’ or to book your consultation please contact us: (02) 8203 8760.
References
Dental Health and Dentures
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-dentures
Everything You Need to Know About Partial Dentures
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/partial-denture
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