Partial dentures are replacement teeth used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.
Just like a denture that replaces an entire arch of teeth, a partial denture is removable and can be taken out for cleaning and sleeping. Partial dentures usually include both artificial gums made from pink acrylic into which false teeth are mounted. (Bridges are just the teeth. A partial denture is attached in your mouth using clasps or precision attachments that can ‘clip’ on to your natural teeth.)
Benefits of a well-designed bridge/partial denture
- Removable partial dentures are natural-looking teeth that attach to your mouth using metal frameworks. They are lightweight and inexpensive.
- Implant-supported dentures require dental implants to anchor them to the jaw.
- Flexible all-acrylic dentures are lighter and more aesthetically pleasing compared to metal framework partial dentures.
- Transitional partial dentures are temporary dentures used after teeth have been removed and gums are still healing.
Denture Process
Our denture process begins with a consultation with your dentist. During this session, your oral health will be assessed, and various tooth replacement options will be explained to you. If traditional dentures are deemed suitable, additional procedures such as extractions or other treatments may be necessary before you can receive your prosthetic.
Once your mouth is prepared for dentures, precise impressions of your gums and any remaining natural teeth will be taken. Collaborating with our onsite lab, we will craft your new dentures and make any required adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and fit. You will then return fora final fitting, during which we will guide you on the usage and maintenance of your new dentures.
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FAQs about Dentures
Why am I salivating (drooling) so much?
This is completely normal when you first have a prosthesis (denture) placed in your mouth. Your body senses it as a foreign object and is trying to “flush” it out. This increased salivation should subside within 2-3 days.
What should a first-time denture wearer expect?
To begin, simple X-rays are taken first. Assessment of any tooth pain or mouth or gum discomfort. Then, your Secure dentist will consult with you about a recommended course of treatment. If tooth extractions are required, temporary dentures called ‘immediate dentures’ are made to help with comfort, functionality, appearance, confidence — and to feel secure.
As you heal from the procedures, it is common for the tissue of the gum area to change and even shrink, causing the immediate denture to fit to change. If this happens, a reline, adjustment or new denture is needed to advance the healing process.
After I get new dentures, what should I expect?
New dentures take some getting used to — and that means time. New denture wearers can expect a time that their new dentures will feel strange and uncomfortable. The most common thing at first is a feeling of fullness with the cheeks and lips, a sensation that something big and bulky is in your mouth, and even an experience of slurred speech, excessive salivation, funny or diminished taste, and even gagging. With time, these sensations do subside, and your new dentures will feel commonplace and comfortable.
For a more comfortable first-time experience, let your dental team share suggestions for comfort and fit. Again, your time and patience are key. It takes time to learn to chew with new dentures, patience with only having soft foods for a while before introducing hard or difficult-to-chew foods.
When you’re comfortable with your dentures, be sure to avoid biting into foods with your front teeth as it may dislodge them. Lower dentures take the longest to get used to as they can ‘float’ on your lower gums and not have suction, like an upper denture has. While adjusting to your new dentures, it’s not uncommon to feel sore spots on your gums. Additionally, chewing on both sides of your mouth at the same time will help stabilize your new teeth.
Wearing your dentures all the time helps you adapt to them more quickly. With time and patience, you will learn good lip and tongue control. After you're used to them, it is advisable to take them out at night.
Be Secure in your new dentures and let your dental team know about any difficulty you experience so we can assess and provide any adjustments needed to your new dentures.
How do I care for my new dentures?
Clean your dentures daily with a soft brush and cleaning agent such as soap and water or products made specifically to clean dentures. Diligent care and daily cleaning are vital to maintain good dental health.
- Brush both the inside and outside of your denture to eliminate any harmful bacteria or buildup.
- Soak your dentures overnight in water or a denture cleaning agent.
- When cleaning your dentures, hold them over a sink filled with water or cushioned with a soft towel so you can prevent breakage if you accidentally drop them.
