Partial dentures are a great tooth replacement option for missing teeth. They are easier on the mouth than full dentures but not as costly as dental implants. Those that wear partial dentures can expect an easier eating experience, better speaking and an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Caring for Partial Dentures

Daily Cleaning

The best way to care for partial dentures is to clean them regularly. Your dentist will recommend that partial dentures be taken out and cleaned each day. The cleaning process is outlined below.

• After taking the partial dentures out, they need to be rinsed with warm water to remove any debris
• Using a soft brush, the partial dentures need to be scrubbed gently with a cleaner or paste
• The partial dentures should be soaked overnight in a denture solution approved by your dentist
• Before re-inserting the partial dentures, they should be rinsed with warm water to remove the solution

Cleaning is important because partial dentures can hold bacteria, which could be transferred to the mouth while wearing them.

Routine Check-Ups

Because each set of partial dentures are custom-made, it is helpful to visit your dentist on a regular basis. They can examine the partial dentures to look for any abnormalities that may not be visible to the patient. If any abnormalities are caught by the dentist, then preventive measures can be taken to protect against potential damage.

Additionally, routine check-ups with your dentist ensures the partial dentures are being taken care of appropriately. Your dentist can provide any specific tips for care that may not be a part of general guidelines.

Lastly, if patients experience any issues with their partial dentures, your dentist can address them. An improper or uncomfortable fit can be appropriately taken care of so that the patient can get back to eating, speaking, and smiling normally.

4 Tips for Adapting to Partial Dentures

1. Give It Time

It takes time to adjust to having a foreign device in the mouth. It is common for people to find it challenging to talk and eat naturally with them initially. However, these issues will not continue indefinitely. Once the mouth adjusts, the initial issues should disappear. Patience is essential when a person gets used to eating and speaking with dentures.

2. Prepare for the Initial Soreness

A painful sore will develop if the partial dentures exert too much pressure on a particular area of the mouth. Your dentist can modify the dentures to make them more comfortable for the patient. This adjustment will alleviate some of the soreness. After the required adjustments, the dentist may suggest removing the partial dentures while the sore area heals.

3. Stick to Soft Foods at First

People who are just starting to wear dentures should begin with softer foods. It will be easier to bite down on diced/smaller portions to start with. After a while, the patient can progress to eating harder foods like apples or red meat.

4. Practice Speaking

Partial dentures provide the added benefit of improving speech. When people first start wearing dentures, they may find it challenging to pronounce particular words. It may take some time before a person can become fully accustomed to conversing correctly while wearing dentures. People who have trouble pronouncing some words can try reading them out loud to get used to wearing their new partials.

Ready To Make an Appointment?

Partial dentures are a popular choice for restoring a few missing teeth. However, you should be aware that adjusting to them takes time. With time and effort, you will become accustomed to wearing them while conversing and eating. Contact our dental office today to learn more about partial dentures and other tooth-replacement options.