What to Expect When Getting Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are one of the missing teeth replacement options you get to choose from if you have lost some of your teeth. Unlike dental bridges, you do not have to have missing teeth right next to each other to use partial dentures to replace them. These oral prosthetics can be used to replace missing teeth in different parts of the mouth so long as they are all on the same ridge.

Partial dentures can be configured as needed to replace lost teeth in different locations on the same dental ridge. A partial denture has two main components: a pink plastic base that rests on the patient’s gums and artificial teeth that are attached to the base.

Everything you should know about partial dentures

Partial dentures are one of the most economical ways to replace missing teeth. The price of replacing a single tooth with an implant is usually more than it costs to replace multiple teeth with partial dentures. Partial dentures also provide more stability in the mouth than full dentures since they are typically stabilized by attaching them to healthy teeth using metal clasps or some other type of connector. Full denture sets are typically held in place with suction, which often leads to poor stability when worn.

Getting a partial denture is a non-invasive process that does not involve oral surgery or making any alterations to the patient’s healthy teeth. The process typically starts with the patient being evaluated by a dentist to determine if it is the right course of action for them.

Once the patient is cleared, an impression of their mouth is made by asking them to bite down on a mold. Lab technicians use the impression to make the patient's customized oral prosthetic and send it back to the dentist in about two weeks. The patient comes back for a second appointment when the restoration is ready. The dentist educates the patient on how to insert, remove, and clean the appliance before sending them off on their way.

What to expect when wearing a partial denture

Partial dentures take some time to get used to since they are not a natural part of the mouth. Some of the things patients should expect include:

• The denture might feel bulky or awkward in your mouth. This is normal for new partial denture wearers, but it goes away over time. The patient’s mouth eventually becomes used to having it there.
• Inserting and removing partial dentures is trickier than it might appear at first glance. It will take practice before most people can do these things without struggling.
• The dentist might recommend wearing the appliance all day until the patient gets used to having it in their mouths.
• Eating chewy or sticky foods can be challenging when wearing partial dentures. Dentists generally recommend avoiding such foods, especially for those who are new to wearing dentures.
• Wearing partial dentures might make it difficult to pronounce certain words during the adjustment period.