Why Should You Wear a Partial Denture?
It’s true that dental partials can bring the beauty back to your smile by replacing missing teeth.
Partial dentures also:
– Make it easier to talk and chew your food
– Maintain the shape and support of your face
– Distribute the stress of your bite over a larger area
– Prevent teeth from drifting
– Decrease the risk of gum disease
What is a Partial Denture? A removable partial denture is a replacement of some of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Plastic or porcelain teeth are attached to gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by a metal framework. Removable partial dentures are held to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called attachments. Precision attachments are generally more esthetic than metal clasps and they are nearly invisible. Putting crowns on your natural teeth may improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with attachments. Dentures with precision attachments generally cost more than those with metal clasps. Review with me which type is right for you.
What types of Partial Dentures are available? A removable partial denture can be made of nylon, acrylic (plastic like material), or a combination of acrylic and a metal framework. The metal framework is usually made from a cast chrome or gold alloy. These metal based partial dentures or cast partial dentures are much superior to the all nylon or acrylic dentures because they distribute the chewing forces to the teeth in a healthy way, and do not trap bacteria around the teeth causing periodontal disease.
How do I take care of my partial denture?
To keep from braking the plastic on your denture, it is a good idea to place a towel in the sink, or fill the sink with water in case you accidentally drop the denture. Gently brush the partial denture every day to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing your denture helps prevent the appliance from becoming stained. A regular, soft-bristled toothbrush is acceptable. Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can change the fit of the denture to your tissue and over time remove plastic.
You may use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid to clean your dentures. Other types of household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and should not be used for cleaning dentures.
Clean your dentures, partial dentures or false teeth 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. Contact Dentures Done Right today for more information about dental partials and other dental services.