Partial Dentures in Calgary
When you are missing one or more teeth, your dentist may recommend a partial denture. Partial dentures are a dental appliance that provides natural-looking tooth replacement options while also helping to maintain the natural spacing and alignment of your natural teeth as well as your jawbone and facial muscles. They are a less invasive, as well as a quicker, option to replace missing teeth and restore a natural smile. At Inglewood Family Dental, we offer partial denture solutions for patients with one or more missing teeth! We are also pleased to offer traditional, immediate, partial dentures, as well as denture relines.
What are Partial Dentures?
A partial denture is a dental appliance typically made of a combination of acrylic and metal, or strictly made from acrylic. The combination partials offer a more durable option when it comes to chewing. Both options attach to your natural teeth with wire clasps or precision attachments. Depending on the health of your surrounding teeth, you may require crowns to help keep the partial denture stabilized and comfortable for eating and chewing.
When are Dentures Recommended?
If you have lost or had to have a tooth removed due to a break or decay, a partial denture may be recommended. When you lose an adult tooth, your other teeth can move to try and compensate for the gap created by the lost tooth. This movement can affect your bite and ability to chew. You may also experience soft tissue shrinking and a loss to the supporting bone. This can change your physical facial appearance. A partial denture fills in the gap from a missing tooth or teeth and helps to keep the natural structure of your gums, jawbone, and facial muscles, as well as reducing the chance of your teeth shifting. If the missing tooth is located in the front of your mouth, a partial denture will help to restore your natural smile and can increase your confidence again.
How are Partial Dentures Created and Held in Place?
If your dentist recommends a partial denture to replace a missing tooth or teeth, he will begin by making a series of impressions to see how your jawlines and teeth come together and how the teeth match up. Models and wax forms are created to determine the exact shape and teeth position in order to create the final denture. Once the new partial denture is cast, your dentist will show you how to place the denture in your mouth and, at this time, may make necessary adjustments. Your partial denture may take some time to get used to, both in putting it into place as well as eating and talking. Sores can occur as your mouth gets used to the denture.
Eating with Partial Dentures
With a new partial denture, eating may take some time to get used to. When starting out with a new partial, start out with soft foods and cut food into smaller pieces. As you get used to chewing and eating with the partial gradually add your normal foods back into your diet. Avoid eating hard foods, such as hard candy, and avoid sticky foods, such as chewing gum.
Caring for Your Dentures
Caring for a partial denture is a little more time consuming than simply brushing your teeth. As a matter-of-fact, do not brush your partial denture with traditional toothpaste as this can be too abrasive for the denture material. It is best to have a brush designed for cleaning dentures to gently clear away and food particles. Hand or dish soap can also be used to help the partial. Before cleaning the partial, it is a good idea to fill the sink with water or a towel in case you drop the denture while cleaning. Use the brush with a denture cleaner and brush similar to how your teeth. If your denture is acrylic and has no exposed metal, place your partial denture into a cleaning solution overnight. If you have exposed metal pieces, your dentist will recommend the best overnight cleaning methods.
Never try and repair a partial denture yourself. If you experience changes in fit, a break, a crack or chip, or the loss of one of the replacement teeth, contact your Calgary dentist immediately for adjustments and repair.
Getting used to your partial denture can take time and adjustments. However, those adjustments are worth it to restore your smile and help keep your remaining teeth healthy. Attend regular dental checkups so your dentist can make any necessary adjustments and discover any potential problems with supporting teeth so they can be addressed immediately.
To learn more about partial dentures or complete dentures in Calgary, please contact us at (403) 265-5888 to schedule your visit with Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh!
Call us at (403) 265-5888 to request your consultation at Inglewood Family Dental today!
Follow us on Facebook for daily updates!
FAQ’s About Dentures
What Is the Average Cost for Partial Dentures?
The cost of partial dentures can vary depending on how many teeth are needing to be replaced, where the teeth are located, and the size of each tooth. However, please remember we follow the Alberta Fee Guide so there should not be any out of pocket expense for necessary dental treatment covered by your insurance. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (403) 265-5888.
Can You Eat with Partial Dentures?
When you are eating with a partial denture it is recommended to make sure you chew evenly on both sides on your mouth to make sure the pressure on both sides is the same. You should try your best to avoid foods that are extremely hard or sticky since these can decrease the capability of your denture. While you are in your adjustment period you should avoid chewing gum.
Do You Need Adhesive for Partial Dentures?
If your dentures are fitted properly there should not be any need for dental adhesive. If you are having issues with your dentures staying in place and think you are in need of adhesive talk to your dentist. The chances are more than likely they will attempt to fix the issue before having you try adhesive. It is possible that your dentures no longer stay in place just due to the change of the structure of your mouth over the years.
