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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.
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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 favorite 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 denturist
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.
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