Dr. Matthew L. Bridges offers partial dentures (or just “partials”) for patients who have faced extensive but not total tooth loss. These removable teeth replacement appliances look and feel more natural than ever thanks to the advanced dental technology used at both our Duncan, OK, practice and our dental laboratory which aids in fabricating custom partials. While partial dentures typically last about five years before needing to be replaced, the tips below can help you extend the life of your partials and keep them looking fresh and new throughout daily wear.
If you are looking for a dentist who can help restore your smile after tooth loss, consider Dr. Bridges and our friendly team at Chisolm Trail Smile Center! We have one of the oldest dental practices in Duncan, and enjoy getting to know our patients and understand their dental goals and issues so we can provide personalized, compassionate care. If you are looking for a dental care home in Duncan, OK, call us today!
Here’s a quick checklist of how to best care for your partial dentures:
Give them a rest.
Always take your dentures out at night, before heading to bed. This gives your mouth ample time to recover from wearing the denture appliance all day, and allows the dentures time to soak and receive a deep clean. If your partials don’t have metal clasps, use an over-the-counter denture cleansing solution. This will help to remove any stains or bacteria which may have accumulated during the day.
Use caution.
Dentures can hold up to a lot of wear and tear in your mouth, but can be surprisingly fragile outside of the mouth. Always be careful when handling them. Clean them over a small towel in case they slip out of your hand. Never use stiff brushes to clean them either. Be sure to properly store them up and away from curious pets or little children.
Clean often.
Dentures are not natural teeth, but they need just as much cleaning as your teeth and gums. Just like teeth, your dentures can attract plaque and tartar; if not properly removed, it can lead to periodontal issues such as gum irritation or infection around the appliance. Give your partials a good scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush and regular toothpaste, or special denture cleaning paste, in the evening before soaking them overnight.
Don’t forget the gums.
Your gums underneath the partial dentures can become irritated and inflamed if not properly cared for. Be sure to lightly brush and massage the gum tissue when you brush twice a day. This can remove plaque buildup and stimulate the tissues to increase blood flow.
See us regularly.
Preventive care visits to our Duncan, OK, practice should continue as normal when wearing partials. Dr. Bridges can check for signs of irritation, receding gums, or tooth decay around the partial. He can also check the appliance to ensure it is still working properly and when it needs to be replaced.
Pay attention.
If you notice a change in how your dentures fit, or if they begin to feel as though they aren’t fitting anymore, schedule an appointment right away. Your mouth’s gums and bones can shift over time, which sometimes leads to an improper denture fit after a few years. Other times, periodontal disease causes a change in how partials fit around the gums. Either way, an incorrect fit can cause painful and destructive problems like sore or bleeding gums or enamel erosion. Dr. Bridges can adjust your dentures if the fit changes so that you can maintain a comfortable, function bite.
For more information, or to schedule your appointment with us, call us at (580) 255-4880.
