Partial Denture Problems You May Have and Why
A partial denture is an artificial appliance that helps you regain your smile while replacing teeth lost to dental disease or trauma. Any tooth-replacement option is never quite the same as your natural teeth. Like anything else that is man-made, there are positives and negatives associated with removable partial dentures.
Common Partial Denture Problems
Sore Gums
This is one partial denture problem solved with a visit to your denturist or dentist for a simple adjustment. If the partial is causing a sore spot on your tissue, it is likely not fitting flush against all of the tissue surface area uniformly. This causes an area of pressure that can be easily remedied with an adjustment.
Difficulty Chewing and Speaking
Getting used to new partial dentures can prove to be challenging. After all, you are dealing with a foreign object covering part of your mouth. The framework covers taste buds, hinders temperature transmission, minimizes space for your tongue to reside, and makes you re-learn to pronounce some sounds.
Most of these issues resolve on their own within the first month of receiving the partial. If they don’t, sometimes a different design or a different type of partial denture material could make the difference between being able to wear it and not being able to wear it. It is important to identify the exact nature of the problem and whether it can be overcome with time or a simple adjustment.
Looseness
Looseness is a partial denture problem that is many times related to the clasps that secure the partial in place. If one of the clasps is not engaging correctly with the supporting tooth, the other clasps cannot always take up the slack, causing the partial to lift while talking or eating.
Depending on the type of partial, the dental professional has special instruments made exclusively for tightening clasps. Once all of the clasps engage correctly with their respective tooth, the partial will fit securely.
A word of caution: Although dental pliers may look similar to something in your toolbox at home, never attempt to adjust the clasps yourself. If you break the clasp, it may not be able to be fixed. You may end up spending money on a new partial.
Food Under the Partial
Partials are natural crumb-catchers. Small particles such as poppy seeds from buns, blueberry seeds, and the like will migrate under a partial, causing you to make a trip to the bathroom to wash the partial. But if a significant amount of food gets under your partial at every meal, something is wrong.
If the partial is loose or causing a sore spot, an adjustment will usually take care of the issue. But if the problem of food under the partial denture has become worse over time, it’s likely that your gum tissue has shrunk.
The gum tissue is no longer in intimate contact with the underside of the partial, allowing debris to collect. This is a sign that the partial may need to be relined or replaced, depending on the type of partial and how severe the problem is. In any event, denture adhesive and home remedies are not a long-term solution. It is time to consult with your dental professional for a resolution.
Neglecting to Properly Care for Remaining Natural Teeth
One common partial denture problem is not really a partial denture problem at all.
It is not uncommon for patients to think they have solved their dental issues when they get a partial. They often forget to care for the remaining natural teeth in their mouth with proper brushing, flossing, and regularly scheduled dental check-ups.
Because the partial denture covers teeth and gums, it is even more important to be vigilant about proper oral care. For the partial to function correctly, it must be supported by sound, disease-free teeth.
I have seen patients neglect their natural teeth to the point of rendering the partial useless. It is a shame to see good money wasted simply by not making time for a daily oral hygiene regimen. The moral of the story is getting a partial is a long-term commitment to saving all of the natural teeth that are still yours.
How Do I Know What Type of Partial Is Best for Me?
European Denture Center has partial denture solutions for your specific situation and tooth configuration. Our experienced denturists will determine the best options available for you.
Whether we recommend a Wironium or Titanium metal framework partial, a Valplast Flexible partial, or an Acetal Resin semi-flexible partial, we use CAD/CAM technology to design the partial for a precise fit.
Our technology affords you the very best fit, ideal comfort, and a seamless appearance that blends with your natural teeth. You are one-of-a-kind. There is no reason to put up with a one-size-fits-all approach. Trust European Denture Center to create a one-of-a-kind partial specifically for you!
