ABOUT DENTURES
A denture is a removable item that is constructed to replace one or more missing teeth. A denture helps you to properly chew food, a difficult task when you are missing teeth. In addition, a denture may improve speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for lips and cheeks.
TYPES OF PARTIAL DENTURES
An acrylic framework fits in the area between the existing natural teeth and carries false teeth, which then fill the gaps in the dentition.
Components of an acrylic framework
• Acrylic white teeth.
• Acrylic pink between teeth.
• Claps that hook around existing teeth to provide grip / retention.
A better partial denture is the Metal Frame Denture. This is a precision fit of denture. The metal is a silver colour and usually made of chrome-cobalt.
Components of a metal frame denture
• Acrylic white teeth.
• Metal frame fits snugly around teeth.
• Precision clasps and rests.
It is very important that all the teeth in an arch are restored before a metal denture is fabricated. The reason is that the denture is made to fit exactly against the existing teeth. If the form of a tooth is altered after the denture is made, chances are that the denture will not fit snugly against the existing teeth anymore.
CARE FOR DENTURES
• Brush your denture twice daily with a denture brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Rinse your denture after every meal.
• Do not wear your denture at night. This will give your gum tissue a rest and allow the normal cleansing by your saliva to promote long term health of your gums.
• It is normal to get “sore spots” especially the first few days after getting a new denture. Please wear your denture at least 3 hours before you visit us. This makes it easy to see the “sore spots” and to allow for exact adjustments.
• New dentures should be made every 5 – 7 years or when the denture are not comfortable anymore.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How long will it take to get used to wearing a partial denture?
A: 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.
Q: How long should I wear the partial denture?
A: We will give you specific instruction about how long the partial 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.
Q: Will it be difficult to eat with a partial denture?
A: 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.
Q: Will the partial denture change how I speak?
A: 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.
Q: Will my partial denture need adjusting?
A: Over time, adjusting the partial 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. Partial Dentures that do not fit properly should be adjusted by your dentist. Loose partial dentures can cause various problems, including sores or infections. See your dentist promptly if your denture becomes loose.
Q: Can I make minor adjustments or repairs to my partial denture?
A: You can do serious harm to your partial 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. 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.
Q: Must I do anything special to take care of my mouth?
A: Brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily help prevent tooth decay and 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.