A partial denture is a denture that has one or more false teeth attached to a plastic base. Unlike full or complete dentures, partial dentures are used when people have some healthy natural teeth. The partial denture can be used to replace teeth that have been removed. Different types of include flipper teeth and bridge.
If the partial denture is permanently secured to remaining teeth, the partial denture is called a bridge. Otherwise, the partial denture is removable. A partial denture has a metal frame that allows the denture to be secure in the mouth.
Some people may think that a partial denture is unnecessary if the missing tooth is not a cosmetic concern. However, partial dentures keep the natural teeth from shifting position which could interfere with the person’s bite. Dental implants are an alternative to partial dentures. People in need of dentures should discuss their options with their dentists.
The process of getting partial dentures begins with the dentist taking impressions of the person’s mouth so that the partial denture will have a good fit. The plastic base is made to fit the contours of the gums by a dental laboratory using these impressions. The process of fitting dentures including the initial exam and other dentist office visits to take dental impressions and fit the dentures may take five dental exams.
To care for a partial denture, the person should brush the denture with denture paste at least daily. Partial denture care also includes soaking the denture in water and a commercial denture cleaner like Efferdent. People should avoid sleeping with dentures in their mouths. A partial denture can be kept in a denture cup with water overnight.
The gum area that is covered by the denture during the day still requires dental hygiene. People who wear partial dentures should remove their denture and rinse their mouths with mouthwash every day. Failure to clean the denture and rinse the mouth can lead to a buildup of bacteria which can cause bad breath.
The dentist is likely to recommend follow up visits to check the fit of the denture. If the person experiences any ongoing discomfort, changes in the fit of the partial denture, or dental sores, a dentist visit is recommended to address these problems as soon as possible. Untreated dental sores could lead to infection and one of the solution is to use a partial denture.
