Partial Denture Problems — Solutions to Issues and Concerns

Partial dentures are removable dental prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. They rely on the remaining natural teeth and/or gums for support, help restore the structure of your mouth and provide an aesthetic improvement in terms of appearance.

While dentures are convenient and effective solutions for replacing lost teeth, they are not without potential problems, so it’s important to be aware of them and how they can be remedied. Let’s discuss some of the most common partial dentures problems and solutions.

Common Partial Denture Problems

Allergic Reactions to Denture Materials

For those with allergies, the materials used to craft their dentures may spark an adverse reaction. That could be due to an allergy to metal like acrylic or other material used to construct the denture. If this occurs, it’s important to contact your prosthetist right away so they can adjust or replace the material to ensure your comfort. Always seek professional treatment if allergic reactions persist.

Poorly Fitting Dentures

That is a common partial denture problem; ill-fitting dentures can cause discomfort while wearing them and difficulty chewing food properly due to shifting during eating. If your removable partial denture does not fit properly, it is best to contact your prosthetist immediately, as they may need to adjust it or even create new dentures. It would help if you also let them know about any discomfort you may be experiencing so they can address it accordingly.

How Do You Manage Poorly Fitting Dentures?

Fortunately, as your gums adapt to new dentures and the shape of your mouth changes over time, you’ll be able to find relief. During the adjustment period, it’s common for the gum tissue to become a bit sore.

To alleviate discomfort, rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times daily and apply topical oral anaesthetic to soothe the affected area. With a little patience and practice, you should begin feeling more comfortable in no time!

Issues With Remaining Teeth

The denture may be exerting too much pressure on these existing teeth, which can cause them to shift out of their normal position and become loose over time. They may also become sensitive or painful, leading to further tooth loss.

How to Prevent this Problem?

Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining your oral health and well-being. During these visits, your prosthetist can check your denture and make adjustments if needed. It is also important to practise proper oral hygiene, flossing regularly and brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Gum Irritation

Another common problem with removable partial dentures is gum irritation, especially for those who wear them for long periods or don’t practise oral hygiene. This gum irritation can lead to inflammation, and inflammation can lead to receding gums and other periodontal issues.

How to Prevent Sore Gums From Dentures?

Keeping your mouth clean and using an antiseptic mouthwash after meals or after wearing your dental prosthetic for long periods is important. You should also make sure that you remove it before going to bed at night so that your gums have a chance to rest overnight without any pressure from the prosthetic in place.

Misalignment

A missing tooth can sometimes cause misalignment in adjacent teeth due to gaps left behind after extraction or decay that has gone untreated for too long. If this happens, your full or partial denture will need adjusting to fit properly and prevent further damage from occurring in your mouth.

How to Manage Misalignment?

If you have gaps left by a missing tooth, then you must fill those gaps regularly with specially-made materials like dental wax or adhesive. These materials help keep food particles from getting caught in the gap and causing discomfort or dental disease.

Regular check-ups are essential for monitoring and adjusting any misalignment promptly.

Do’s & Don’ts for Maintaining your Partial Denture

Do Brush Your Partial Denture

Do this daily using a soft-bristled denture brush designed specifically for cleaning dentures. Regular toothbrushes are too abrasive and may damage the plastic material of the denture. Make sure to rinse off the brush after each use.

Don’t use abrasive toothpaste, Brushing with abrasive toothpaste could scratch or damage the material of the appliance, making it less effective at correcting tooth misalignment or replacing missing teeth. Instead, use a specialised cleaner designed specifically for cleaning dental prosthetic devices without damaging the material of the appliance itself.

Immerse the Denture in a Mild Cleansing Solution

For optimal hygiene, it is recommended to soak your dentures in a mild cleaning solution every day for 15 minutes. This will help remove any plaque or debris that may have accumulated over time. After soaking, be sure to thoroughly rinse the device before putting them back into your mouth; To ensure comfort, steer clear of hot water when cleaning your prosthetic device, as this could cause warping and make wearing it difficult.

Don’t Forget to Use a Denture Adhesive When Necessary

If you need extra stability from time to time due to changes in temperature, humidity levels etc., then make sure you apply some dental adhesive around where exactly meets with natural tissue to ensure maximum comfort while wearing dentures all day long!

Do Store Your Partial Denture Properly

To ensure your prosthetic device lasts for as long as possible, make sure to take them off when not in use. Always put it into storage each night and ensure it is properly stored away from moisture or dust particles that could damage it over time.

Do Make Sure That You Visit Your Prosthetist Regularly

It is still important to see your prosthetist every six months for check-ups and cleanings so that any potential problems can be caught early on before they become serious issues down the line! That will also help keep up with maintenance on the remaining natural teeth in place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, partial denture problems, such as discomfort, difficulty chewing, and speech, can significantly impact your daily life and oral health. These issues often arise when dentures are improperly fitted or made from low-quality materials. It is essential to seek professional help from experienced and skilled dental prosthetists to resolve these problems effectively.

Custom Denture Clinic is the ultimate solution for all your partial denture concerns. Andre and Pierre and a wealth of over 25 years of individual experience will ensure that your partial dentures fit comfortably and look natural, boosting your confidence and enabling you to enjoy the foods you love. Why settle for anything less than the highest standard in dental prosthetics?

Book your consultation today; call us at the following numbers:

Buderim: (07) 5317 1023
Caloundra: (07) 5315 8076

References

Bridges and partial dentures
https://www.dentalhealth.org/bridges-and-partial-dentures

Dental Health and Dentures
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-dentures

Dentures (False teeth)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dentures/