Tooth loss is a common dental issue that occurs for various reasons. Around 2.2% of adults between the ages of 20 to 64 are missing all of their teeth. You don’t have to suffer from missing teeth, whether you need one or more replaced. It can be challenging to determine what tooth replacement option is best for you. Partial dentures are an effective way to replace a few missing teeth. Prevent future tooth loss while improving your overall oral health.
This guide will discuss the top nine things you need to think about when getting partial dentures. Make sure you make the right decisions for your budget and oral health goals.
1. You Need to Wear Them at All Times
Your partial dentures might not fit in your mouth anymore if you decide not to wear them for a few weeks. Your natural teeth will start to fit, resulting in the partial dentures not fitting in their spot.
There might be a few reasons you are reluctant to keep your partial dentures in. These could include:
- Your gums feel sore
- Partial dentures feel loose
- You feel like your dentures are noticeable
- You’re finding it challenging to pronounce words and speak
There is an adjustment period when you first get partial dentures. Your body needs a bit to adjust to anything foreign that you introduce to your body. This even includes things like hearing aids or casts.
If your partial dentures feel odd in your mouth, try to keep them in for extended periods. Train your brain to ignore the fact that it’s in your mouth. The sensation of your partial dentures will become normal over time.
There are a few factors that could make it more challenging for you to adapt to the feeling of partial dentures, such as:
- Large tongue
- Psychological dislike for something in the mouth
- Speaking interference
However, if you’re feeling extreme discomfort or pain while wearing your dentures, let your dentist know. There might be a problem with how they were manufactured.
2. Partial Dentures Cost
The cost of partial dentures is something that should be at the top of your list of considerations. How much partial dentures cost can vary. The final price depends on various factors, including:
- How many teeth are getting replaced
- Material used
- The way the dentures are created
- Location of the partial dentures
Your dental insurance plan might cover some of the cost of your partial dentures. You’ll find information on the coverage your plan provides under the “explanation of benefits” section for restorative services. Some dental insurance plans will pay 50% of your total cost or a flat rate.
At Denture Rescue, we require our patients to put down a $99 down payment. This fee covers the cost of:
- Custom impression kit
- Administration fees
Your dentist’s office should have payment plan options to make the service affordable to all patients.
3. Your Partial Dentures Can Break
There are numerous material options for partial dentures. Failing to properly take care of your partial dentures can damage their structural integrity. The materials options for partial dentures include:
- Cobalt chromium
- Metal titanium
- Flexible plastic
- Plastic acrylic
Since you can remove your partial dentures, aggressively popping them off and on can damage them. The artificial teeth might get dislodged. They could also end up in a bunch of pieces.
Additionally, partial dentures can break if they get dropped. Clean your partial dentures over a folded towel or a bowl of water so they land on something soft.
Your partial dentures should last a long time if they were manufactured properly and you take care of them.
4. Explore the Different Types of Partial Dentures
As we mentioned earlier, there are multiple types of partial dentures. The material you choose will get based on your preferences, goals, and budget.
Porcelain
Partial dentures made from porcelain are very durable. They can last more than five years but are a more expensive option. You can eat tough foods without any issues with these types of dentures.
Acrylic Resin
The durability of partial dentures is an important thing to consider when choosing the right material. Acrylic resin gives you a great mix of:
- Affordability
- Appearance
- Strength
The strong plastic looks natural. It’s also indistinguishable from your regular teeth.
Cast Metal
Partial dentures made from cast metal incorporate an acrylic base with a metal frame. The combination of the two materials increases the lifespan and stability of the dentures. They’re a great option for those looking for a comfortable fit while eating and talking daily.
5. You Need to Clean Your Partial Dentures
Your partial dentures need as much care and consideration as your natural teeth receive. Your dentist can clean your partial dentures for you when you go to their office for your routine teeth cleaning appointments. They can even remove built-up stains that you’re finding difficult to get rid of.
Some tips for cleaning your partial dentures at home include:
- Soaking them every day in Polydent or Listerine
- Brushing them to remove food scraps
- Use non-abrasive partial denture cleaners
- Use gentle brushing motions
Your natural teeth will also need to be routinely looked at by your dentist. You want to ensure that no excessive damage or force is happening to your teeth.
6. It Can Be a Long Process
Partial dentures aren’t an overnight permanent fix to your missing teeth. It’s a multi-step process that ensures you achieve a natural and healthy smile. It’s important to make sure that you’re open to a process that could take a few months to complete.
Natural Teeth Restoration
Partial dentures get secured to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Your natural teeth must be in a healthy state before that can happen. Your dentist might recommend the following procedures:
- Extractions
- Fillings
- Periodontal disease treatment
Ensuring your teeth are healthy and stable will increase the lifespan of your partial dentures.
Dental Impressions
Your dentist will make tooth impressions to help you get fitted for partial dentures. Your partial dentures will be custom-made for your smile. The shade of the gums and artificial teeth will match your existing smile.
Attachment Appointment
Partial dentures include clasps that wrap around the neighboring teeth. Your dentist will go over care instructions with you while ensuring they properly fit your mouth.
7. You Don’t Have to Undergo Surgery
One of the main benefits of partial dentures is that you don’t have to get an invasive dental procedure to receive them. Keep in mind that your dentist might recommend other dental care procedures, like extractions, before fitting you for partial dentures.
You won’t have to undergo a surgical procedure to get your partial dentures attached to your teeth. Other tooth replacement methods, like dental implants, require extensive surgical appointments.
8. They’re Ideal for Those Who Can’t Get Dental Implants
Dental implants are a more permanent solution for missing teeth. However, getting dental implants is much more costly and invasive than receiving partial dentures.
Even if the lengthy treatment process and surgery don’t bother you, there are many requirements you need to possess to be considered a candidate for dental implants. These factors can include:
- Healthy gums
- Great oral hygiene and health
- Non-smoker
- Can’t grind or clench your teeth
- Sufficient jawbone density
You don’t need to meet countless requirements to get fitted for partial dentures. You can experience a beautiful smile in a shorter period than you would with dental implants. You can improve your oral health without having to undergo additional painful procedures.
9. Improve Your Oral Health
It’s challenging to chew and bite if you’re missing teeth. Your bite pressure can change, resulting in bone decay and tooth misalignment.
Your existing teeth will start to move to fill in the gap caused by your missing teeth. Your smile might become droopy. Your oral tissues and jawbone might start to shrink, resulting in the sagging of your facial muscles.
Partial dentures help stimulate the following:
- Muscles
- Jawbone
- Gums
You can stop the deterioration of your oral health by getting partial dentures.
It might also be challenging to floss or brush when you have missing, decayed, or damaged teeth. Bacteria and plaque can start to build up in the open sockets where your teeth once were. These issues can result in a myriad of oral health issues.
Your dentist will ensure you’re in optimal dental health before you get fitted for partial dentures. You’ll find it easier to take care of your smile when it looks and feels good.
Partner With an Experienced Dentist for Partial Dentures
Don’t let your self-confidence and oral hygiene suffer from one or more missing teeth. Remedy the problem with effective partial dentures. Restore your smile to its former glory with the help of one of our dentists.
The team at Denture Rescue is here to guide you through the process of wearing partial dentures. We can help you overcome any dental problem, no matter how minor or severe. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.
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