| How do you wear a removable partial denture?
Removable partial dentures usually consist
of replacement teeth attached to pink
or gum-colored plastic bases, which are
connected by metal framework. Removable
partial dentures attach to your natural
teeth with metal clasps or devices called
precision attachments. Precision attachments
are generally more esthetic than metal
clasps and they are nearly invisible.
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.
Consult with your dentist to find out
which type is right for you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
How can I fill the gap?
A bridge—a device used to replace
missing teeth—attaches artificial
teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called
abutment teeth. Bridges can be applied
either permanently (fixed bridges), or
they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing
crowns on the abutment teeth—to
provide support for artificial teeth—or
by bonding the artificial teeth directly
to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges
are attached to the teeth by either metal
clasps or by precision attachments.
Produced with the cooperation of The
American College of Prosthodontists.
Please note: The ADA does not provide specific answers
to individual questions about fees, dental problems, conditions, diagnoses,
treatments or proposed treatments, or requests for research. Information about
dental referrals, complaints and a variety of dental procedures may
be found here. You can also refer to our Frequently
Asked Questions page for answers to common questions.
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