Your smile plays a crucial role in boosting your confidence, and a complete set of teeth lets you smile confidently. But if you have one or two missing teeth, smiling or doing other things, like eating, speaking, etc., will be challenging. In the dental department, you get the solution to this problem through partial dentures. Once you get these dentures for missing teeth, they require good care. In this article, we’ll discuss how to care for partial dentures. Let us discuss some basic information regarding partial dentures, why they must be taken care of and how we can take care of them.
What are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are removable dental appliances that replace one or more missing teeth. These dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth and consist of replacement teeth attached to a base (usually pink or gum-colored). The main components of a partial denture include:
- Denture teeth
- Major connector
- Minor connector
- Denture base
- Clasps
- Rests
What is the Difference Between Full Dentures and Partial Dentures?
Full dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth, while partial dentures only replace some missing ones. Depending upon the location of the missing teeth, partial dentures can be used on both upper and lower jaws. Partial dentures have an edge over other tooth-replacement options like dental bridges or implants because they are less invasive, more affordable, and do not require any surgery. However, fixed replacements or dentures provide more stability as you talk or chew.
Why is the Care of Partial Dentures Necessary?
The care of partial dentures is necessary to maintain your oral health and several other reasons. Partial dentures require similar care to that provided to natural teeth and gums. Neglecting the partial dentures can lead to:
- Soft tissues inflammation
- An increased risk of gum disease
- Swelling, pain, and ulceration
- Tooth decay
Some of the significant reasons that showcase the necessity of caring for partial dentures are listed below:
- Oral Health – Proper care of partial dentures is required to maintain oral health. If adequate care is not provided to the dentures, it will affect the dentures and your natural teeth and gums. It will result in the accumulation of bacteria, food particles, and plaques in natural teeth and gums that can lead to tooth damage or other issues.
- Comfortable to Wear – Well-maintained partial dentures are comfortable to wear, as neglected dentures can lead to discomfort, sore spots, or even injuries. For example, ill-fitted dentures may rub against your oral tissues and damage them.
- Proper Functioning – Partial dentures are designed to replace missing teeth and aid in chewing and speaking. The dentures may only function effectively if proper care is provided to them. Proper care must be provided to dentures so they eat and speak properly.
- Aesthetic Appearance – Your smile boosts self-confidence, and clean and well-maintained partial dentures contribute to a beautiful smile. If these dentures are neglected, they can become discolored, affecting your smile and confidence.
- Increased Durability – Regularly cleaned and well-maintained partial dentures usually have an extended lifespan. So, to avoid early replacement or frequent visits to your dentist, proper cleaning and handling should be provided to dentures.
- Preventive Measures – Different preventive measures of removing and cleaning your partial dentures daily help reduce the risk of infection, irritation, and fungal growth.
- Gum Health – Along with cleaning and maintaining partial dentures, taking care of your natural teeth and gums also improves your gum health. Ignoring the care of natural teeth and gums can lead to several dental issues and gum diseases.
- Professional Adjustments – Regular check-ups from dentists play a vital role in repairing and maintaining partial dentures. They can make necessary adjustments to fit your dentures properly and comfortably.
- Preventing Bad Breath or Odors – If not cleaned properly and regularly, partial dentures can develop unpleasant odors or bad breath. It happens due to the accumulation of bacteria and food debris. Regular cleaning helps prevent these odors.
How to Care for Partial Dentures?
Proper care and cleaning of partial dentures play a crucial role in increasing the longevity and durability of your dentures. It also helps you improve the health of your natural teeth and gums. Following are some key tips for taking care of partial dentures:
Careful Handling
Partial dentures are usually fragile and easy to damage if not handled properly. Handle your partial dentures carefully to avoid dropping or damaging them. You can place a towel or a soft material on the sink surface while cleaning partial dentures. It would help to prevent any breakage while cleaning. You can also use specially designed tools like denture brushes or grips if you have difficulty holding onto dentures.
Regular Cleaning
Clean your partial dentures daily by removing and rinsing them under running water. This cleaning would help you remove food particles. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove these food particles, crevices, clasps, or any other attachments. Regular toothpaste can be abrasive and damage dentures’ surface. You can use a denture cleaner or a mild hand soap to clean dentures.
Brush Your Dentures Twice a Day
It is advisable to brush your dentures twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and solution recommended by the manufacturer or your dentist. Even if you have partial dentures, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene of your natural teeth and gums. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss between your natural and abutment teeth that support your partial dentures.
Soaking Overnight
At night, when you are not wearing your dentures, it is advised to soak them in a denture-cleaning solution or warm water. There are several soaking solutions available in the market. It is essential to rinse the dentures under running water before slaking them in the solution. As different types of dentures need different care, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for choosing a denture-cleaning solution. Avoid hot or boiling water, which can damage the denture’s surface.
Avoiding Damage
Excessive care should be provided to avoid any damage to your partial dentures. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaning agents on dentures that can damage the denture’s surface, such as bleach. Keep them away from hot water or direct sunlight because excessive heat can cause denture warping (de-shaped).
Regular Check-Ups
Partial dentures need proper adjustments as ill-fitting dentures can cause discomfort and other oral health issues. Although complete guidelines are provided along with the partial dentures, it is advised to visit your dentist regularly. They can examine your mouth, check the fit of partial dentures, and make necessary adjustments.
Repairing and Maintenance
Partial dentures need care to improve their lifespan. Despite good care being provided, dentures are prone to damage. If your dentures become damaged, broken, or loose, avoid any attempt to repair them yourself. Always contact your dentist for professional repairs or adjustments in your dentures.
Denture Adhesives
A denture adhesive can be a paste, powder, gel, or adhesive pad used to adhere your dentures to the supporting tissues. It is also called denture cream. It is usually used when dentures do not need to rely on suctions or claps. A denture adhesive must be used sparingly and only as the dentist directs.
Denture Replacement
Following manufacturer or dentist’s instructions and excessive care enhances the lifespan of your partial dentures for several years. However, over time, your dentures do wear out and require replacement. Visit your dentist for denture replacement or if any adjustment to the previous one is available.
Final Thoughts:
Partial dentures are an excellent alternative to your missing teeth. Taking good care of partial dentures is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and increasing the longevity and durability of your dentures. Neglecting regular cleaning and maintenance of your removable partial dentures can lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant odors from food particles and other debris trapped underneath the dentures’ surface. So, proper care, regular visits and discussions with your dentist are required to ensure your dentures function effectively.
