Dentures And Partial Denture Repair

Full dentures are usually placed when a patient is missing all of his teeth. Partial dentures are used when a patient is only missing some teeth. When partials are placed, the remaining teeth must be healthy enough to support the dentures. Sometimes, this may require preliminary dental work to prepare and strengthen the remaining teeth prior to fitting. When dentures break or become damaged, they need to be fixed. Many partial denture repair services can fix chips and breaks within a few days. In this article, we'll briefly describe the process of making the dentures. We'll also explain how to get used to them and what to do when they become damaged.

Creating The Dentures
Having partials created usually requires 4 or 5 visits. First, a dentist will take x-rays to examine your teeth, jaws, and tissue. Then, he'll create impressions from which to make the dentures. A second appointment is often required to reshape the teeth (the reshaping is often minor). During the next visit, your dentist will test the shape and fit of your new dentures (adjustments will likely be necessary). The fourth appointment is when the newly-adjusted dentures are fitted and worn. Often, your dentist will want you to come back in a few days to report any soreness.
What If They Break?
Dentures break easily and it usually happens by accident. Dropping them on the floor or knocking them off a shelf can easily cause chips or fractures. Often, your dentist can repair broken dentures if the damage is minimal. However, if there's a major fracture in the frame, a tooth falls out, or several teeth break, you may need to send them to a dental laboratory. Even partial denture repair work often requires specific tools that aren't found in your dentist's office.
Getting Used To Your Dentures
Initially, your dentures will feel odd in your mouth. They might seem bulky or strangely-placed at first and it will take time for your tongue to grow accustomed to them. You'll probably need to practice speaking for a couple of weeks in order to regain your normal speech patterns. Also, your mouth will likely produce more saliva in the beginning. Over time, your brain will recognize the dentures as a permanent part of your mouth and produce less saliva. Finally, eating will probably feel uncomfortable during the first week. Start with soft foods to reduce soreness.
How Long With They Last?
Your dentures will gradually wear down over time. When that happens, ask your dentist to refer you to a partial denture repair service. If your dentures need a simple relining, it's possible that your dentist can perform the work in his office. However, because the structure of your mouth will likely change over the years, your partials may need to have a new base created. Also, keep in mind that the older your dentures are, the more susceptible they become to breakage. Your dentist will probably already have a few partial denture repair services in mind that he works with closely.
The Need For Partial Denture Repair
Don't try to repair broken dentures at home. A lot of patients mistakenly believe that they can save time and money by using a partial denture repair glue to fix them. The problem is that their repairs are usually imprecise, leading to ill-fitting dentures that don't properly accommodate the structure of their mouth. Plus, such home solutions are usually temporary. If you drop your dentures or otherwise damage them, speak with your dentist. If he's unable to perform the needed repairs himself, he can recommend a dependable partial denture repair lab to which you can send your dentures.