What to Expect When Getting Partial Dentures

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square205

3 months ago

Picture a world where you smile confidently and eat easily. Partial dentures can make this a reality. They are a versatile and affordable solution for replacing missing teeth, whether it’s partial dentures for front teeth or molars.

Deciding on a method for replacing your missing teeth can be unnerving. However, knowing what to anticipate makes the process more manageable and less intimidating.

What Are Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures are fake teeth used to replace one or several missing teeth. This dental prosthesis is custom-made to fill the gaps in your smile. Once in place, your ability to eat and speak improves, along with your confidence!

A removable partial denture contains one or more false teeth that rest on a metal or plastic pink base. These appliances require regular cleaning to ensure you maintain good oral health.

The Process of Getting a Partial Denture

There are several steps to achieve a custom removable partial denture.

Initial Consultation

Like most dental treatments, the first step in restoring your smile with partial dental dentures is having an initial consultation with a dentist. The dentist will evaluate the health of your mouth using a visual examination and X-rays. Then, your treatment options will be presented, and you’ll have time to ask questions.

Impressions

After agreeing to start the partial dentures, the second step is taking impressions. Impressions give the dentist and dental laboratory technicians a visual of your unique mouth. They capture each detail, including the shape of your teeth and gums, jawbone size, and the spacing between teeth.

Traditional impressions require a soft, putty-like material inserted into your mouth. It may take several minutes for the material to set. Newer methods use digital technology to capture the information on a computer. Both methods require the impression to get sent to a dental lab for manufacturing.

Try-In Appointment

When your partial dentures are ready, the lab will return them to your dentist. You’ll have a “try-in” appointment, during which your dentist will check the fit. This appointment allows you to see what your new teeth look like and how they feel before they are completely ready.

At this appointment, your dentist will put the partial denture in your mouth and make any adjustments. Ensuring they fit correctly is essential. If it doesn’t fit well, it could irritate your gums, cause mouth sores, and make it challenging to talk and eat.

The dentist will note any changes and return them to the lab for final product adjustments and manufacturing.

Final Fitting

You’ll return to the office for another check a few weeks after your try-in appointment. They’ll review home care and maintenance instructions to ensure your partial dentures last as long as possible.

Adjusting to Your New Teeth

At first, you may experience irritation and discomfort while wearing your partial dentures. It takes a bit of time for your mouth to adjust to the foreign appliance. You may develop sore spots, have a hard time talking, or produce more saliva than usual in the first few days.

You may need to return to the dental office for a few adjustments until they become comfortable. Some patients find it helpful to use a denture adhesive to help hold the denture in place and minimize discomfort.