Four Questions About Wearing Partial Dentures
Do you have one or two teeth that are missing but you do not want to get dental implants to fix them due to the cost? If so, partial dentures may be the answer to your problem. Here are some questions you may have about getting partial dentures before you have them made.
How Are Partial Dentures Made?
The process of getting partial dentures starts with a visit to your dentist. They'll need to create a mold of your gums and teeth where the partial dentures will fit, which involves biting down on a special material that will tell the dentist where all your teeth are located. The dentures will be made so they snap into the existing gaps that you have without modifying the surrounding teeth.
When Are Partial Dentures Recommended?
Partial dentures work great for dental patients that cannot use other methods to replace their missing teeth. They may have problems with their gums that make implants impossible, or they don't want to modify their healthy teeth to put in a dental bridge. However, the gums must still be healthy enough to support the partial dentures. Your dentist will determine if you are a good fit by examining your gums during an initial consultation.
How Are Partial Dentures Maintained?
Having partial dentures requires more attention than having a dental bridge or implants. Implants must be removed for cleaning, which involves rinsing them off underwater and brushing them with your toothbrush. People who use dental adhesives will need to remove all of the adhesive on the surface to ensure that the partial denture is clean. When finished, dentures should be put in a container so that they can soak overnight. This will prevent the dentures from drying out and being uncomfortable to wear.
A dentist will also inspect the partial dentures during your semiannual cleaning an examination. The dentist can repair the dentures if they are not feeling comfortable and also clean them as well. They may be fake teeth, but they still should be a part of a regular dental exam.
Can You Eat Anything With Partial Dentures?
While partial dentures are designed to help you with eating, you won't be able to eat anything with them. You may find that you have trouble using partial dentures to chew on really tough meat, requiring you to cut it into small pieces before eating. You should also avoid foods that are sticky since they can stick to the dentures and make them hard to use.
Reach out to a dental service near you to learn more.