What Is A Partial Denture
When teeth are removed from your mouth through extraction or tooth decay , a partial denture can replace those teeth without the need for full dentures. It is attached to the existing teeth with clasps or the attachment can be with hidden clasps and crowns for a more natural look. If you are in need of a partial denture, there are most likely questions that you have about the procedure and what you can expect.
Why Are Partial Dentures Important?
Missing teeth creates a gap in your smile and it can create a great deal of self consciousness and shame over the appearance of your teeth and mouth. A partial denture can replace those teeth in a way that is virtually unnoticeable so that you can have your smile back. Even more important, the partial denture is needed to keep your remaining teeth in place and prevent them from shifting in your mouth. Over time, the gap in your smile will begin to be evenly distributed among your remaining teeth as they take new positions. While your missing teeth may have been in an area of your mouth that was not noticeable, over time your teeth will spread and the appearance of these gaps will become very apparent.
Teeth that have shifted their position can also be very difficult to keep clean. You are risking further damage to the tissue surrounding the teeth when the shifting begins to occur. Further tooth loss could be the result of these out of place teeth.
Adjusting To The Partial Denture
When you first receive your partial denture, it will feel awkward to you. Over time, you will become more accustomed to wearing it and eventually it will feel completely natural to you. The dentist will show you the proper way to remove the denture and put it back in place. This will also become easier with time. It should never be necessary to force your denture into place.
The dentist will also give you instructions on wearing the partial denture and how long you should keep it in place. Most of the time the dentist will want you to wear your denture all of the time so that the problems can be worked out quickly and your denture can be adjusted properly. Once your partial denture is adjusted properly, you will probably be instructed to remove it before you go to sleep.
Your speaking may be impacted as well. When you have missing teeth , it changes the way that you speak and eat. With your partial denture, you will have to adjust to eating and speaking with the new appliance in your mouth. It should make eating much easier, and speaking is just a matter of adjusting to the partial denture.
Caring For Your Partial Denture
You will have to brush and clean your partial denture with as much care as you do your natural teeth . There is a difference in the way that you will clean the artificial teeth, however. Many dentists recommend that you stand over the sink in the event that you drop the denture. A special denture brush can be used or you can just use a soft toothbrush on your partial denture . It is important that you don’t damage the partial denture so hard bristled brushes and most toothpastes are not recommended.
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