You’ve probably heard about dentures before since they are an incredibly common way that dentists restore their patient’s smiles due to tooth loss from age, gum disease, or injury. But did you know that not all dentures come in a full set like the ones you witnessed your grandparents popping into their mouth when you were a kid? There is such a thing as partial dentures, which work similarly to a full set of dentures but don’t replace all of the patient’s teeth.

Partial dentures in many ways look similar to a full set of dentures. They typically are made of a plastic base that is colored to match the patient’s gums and replacement teeth that are attached to the base. The teeth can be made from a variety of materials such as acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. The partial denture may also be outfitted with metal attachments to secure the dentures to the rest of your teeth, or they may feature a more natural means of attachment. There are numerous options on the market for different types of partial dentures, and if you are in need of partial dentures, your dentist will work with you to determine the best option for you and your needs.

How are dentures looked after?

Once you receive your new partial dentures from your dentist, the next steps are to use the dentures, and take care of them so they last and work well for you going forward. Dentures are remarkably strong appliances and work just as well as your regular teeth in many regards, but they can break if you drop them. Be sure to clean your dentures and handle them over a soft surface or bowl of water just in case you drop them.

To clean your partial dentures, brush them and soak them every day. Start by brushing the dentures to remove any food bits stuck to the dentures. Don’t use toothpaste to brush with since these are synthetic teeth, instead opt for a non-abrasive and gentle denture cleaner. Don’t scrub the dentures too hard as this can actually scratch the surface of the dentures. Be sure to brush both the denture teeth and the part of the dentures that connects with your gums so that the surface doesn’t irritate your gums.

Next, soak your dentures in a solution specifically designed for denture cleaning. Soaking the dentures in such a solution will ensure that any stubborn plaque or stains are lifted from the dentures.

If you notice any particularly stubborn stains or spots on your dentures, you can always ask for them to be cleaned during your next dental cleaning.

Are dentures a permanent solution?

Dentures work great for replacing teeth lost due to injury or tooth decay, but they aren’t always a permanent solution. Your dentures will need to at least be adjusted periodically by your dentist to ensure proper fit and sometimes might even need to be replaced due to wear and tear on the dentures. Don’t try to adjust your dentures yourself if you are experiencing fit issues—this can cause damage to the dentures and to your mouth!

If you’re interested in learning more about partial dentures and seeing what options might be the best fit for you, contact us today. We are always here to help answer any questions you might have and serve your dental needs!