1. Stop Being Afraid to Smile
A dentist makes a partial denture when there are healthy natural teeth that can anchor the plastic plate containing the replacement ones. A partial denture stops teeth from drifting, prevents unsightly gaps between natural teeth and improves the patient's bite, speech and chewing ability. Partial dentures are removable, unlike bridges, which stay in the mouth permanently. They're made of fake teeth placed on gum colored plastic, which then connects with a metal frame to keep it firmly in the mouth. If you lose teeth after you've had a partial fitted, the dentist can add them to the denture. The dentist determines the correct shape for a partial by making an impression of your mouth using dental alginate.
2. A Partial for Every Problem
Depending on the type of partial and the number of missing teeth, the procedure to fit partial dentures may take two to four visits. If missing teeth are in the middle of the upper or lower jaw, the dentist can make a partial to fit in precisely between teeth on the right and left side of the mouth if those teeth remain healthy. Fitting a partial for missing teeth scattered in different locations can be more complicated. In some cases, precision attachments are used to fit teeth with crowns instead of metal clasps.
3. ValPlast for Better Looking Partials
Dental science has advanced to the point where a lightweight material called ValPlast substitutes for metal clasps on denture framework. It looks and feels better against the gums, and blends in with them, eliminating the tell-tale metal at the back of your mouth. However, it's difficult to add replacement teeth to a ValPlast partial, and they're inappropriate for smokers because they stain easily.
4. Partially Eat Again
Partial dentures make eating easier. Chew food evenly on both sides of the mouth, but avoid sticky foods like taffy. It may take awhile to adjust to your partial and speak clearly, so try reading aloud from a book or newspaper to adjust when you first get your dentures.
5. Clean Partials With Care
Take your partials out every night, or before taking a nap. Clean with Efferdent or a cleaner recommended by your dentist, and soak overnight. Use soft-bristled denture brush to eliminate loose food particles. To get rid of tough stains and make your dentures shine like new again, you may require a professional polishing. A general recommendation for these is about once or twice each year, or as often as your dentist suggests.
