Partial Dentures

 

What is a partial denture?

Removable partial dentures, also known as RPDs, are designed to be taken out and cared for by the patient. Fitting a partial denture takes time, and numerous sessions at a dentist's office to check for fit and make adjustments, as the denture must fit perfectly for patient comfort.

 

A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-coloredplastic base, which is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed (permanent) bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This "bridge" is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more natural-looking appliance.

 

 

Complete Dentures

If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll be able to eat and speak—things that people often take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.

 

What is a denture?

 

A denture is a removable prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. Commonly referred to as "false teeth", it is usually made of acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal. A partial denture is fitted to replace some missing teeth whilst a complete denture is indicated when all natural teeth are missing. A good set of dentures helps you to eat, speak, function and often makes the person look better.

   

What should I expect?

 

New dentures always feel strange when first placed in the mouth. Several days or weeks will be required before you get accustomed to them. Adaptation varies with different people and often, time and experience are essential before dentures can be worn comfortably and function effectively.

 

Any suggestions to adapt to new dentures?

 

Eating - Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft or finely-chopped food. Chew slowly using both sides of the mouth simultaneously to prevent dentures from tipping. Once you become accustomed to chewing, include other foods until you return to your normal diet.

 

Increased salivary flow - You may experience an increase in salivary flow when the dentures are first inserted. This is a natural response of the salivary glands; salivary flow should return to normal after a few weeks. You can improve the situation by swallowing more often.

 

Speech - New dentures may alter your speech initially. Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will speed up the adaptation process. This problem rarely persists beyond two weeks.

 

Sore spots - Minor irritation caused by surface irregularities or pressure spots on the denture-bearing areas are quite common. Your dentist will relieve the discomfort by adjusting the denture surface. Stop wearing the denture if the pain gets too intense. Consult your dentist immediately.

 

How should I maintain my dentures?

 

Like natural teeth, dentures can accumulate plaque and food debris, particularly in areas where the denture is in contact with the remaining teeth and gum. In addition to the usual oral hygiene measures like tooth brushing, dentures should be cleaned regularly. Poor denture hygiene can result in stains on the denture and a bad odour.

If possible, dentures should be removed and cleaned after every meal. When cleaning, remember the following:

• Use a soft handbrush or a special denture brush

• Avoid very hot water as it may distort the denture

• Use mild detergent to clean

• Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can roughen the polished surface of the denture

• Do not use bleach as this may whiten the pink acrylic

• Hold the denture firmly while cleaning; accidental droppage may result in chipped or broken dentures

• Always wash your denture over a basin of water

Soak the dentures in denture cleanser once a week to remove stains and always rinse them thoroughly before using the dentures again. When not wearing the dentures, store them in water. Dentures may lose their shape if left to dry out.

 

For how long should dentures be worn?

 

During the first few days, you are advised to wear them most of the time except when sleeping. Always remove the dentures before going to bed. This will allow your gum tissues to rest and promote oral health. Gentle massaging of the gums with a soft toothbrush is encouraged. Remember to soak the dentures in water to prevent them from drying out.

  

How often should I replace my dentures?

 

The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your dentures every 5 (five) years.Many people believe that dentures last for 20 years or more. Nothing could be further from the truth!The removable denture is made of a hard, rigid material. Your face, mouth and jaw, on the other hand,change over the years. Because it cannot adapt to these changes and because artificial teeth weardown with time, a denture cannot do its job effectively for more than about five to seven years.