What You Need to Know about Full & Partial Dentures

Dentures and partials are removable prosthetics that replace missing teeth. Full dentures replace all of your teeth on either the upper or lower jaw. If you still have some natural teeth, partials fill in the gaps where your teeth are missing.

Dentures restore your smile and keep your facial muscles from sagging. Thanks to innovations over the last several years, they look natural and closely resemble real teeth. Dr. Strandburg offers various types of full and partial dentures, which you can learn more about here.

Adjusting to Dentures and Partials

When you first receive your dentures, they might feel unnatural or awkward in your mouth. It will take a while for the muscles in your cheeks and tongue to get used to keeping them in place, especially during talking or chewing. You also might experience soreness and an increase in saliva flow. As your mouth adjusts, these issues will go away. If they don’t, it’s possible they don’t fit correctly and you should come in for and adjustment or a possible reline.

Caring for Dentures and Partials

It’s important to take good care of your dentures to eliminate food debris and plaque. Just like your real teeth, dentures and partials can become stained, too. The American Dental Association recommends the following steps to properly care for and clean them:

• Before brushing your dentures, rinse them with water to remove food particles
• Brush them with a soft-bristled brush, remembering to brush your gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth as well. This stimulates circulation and removes plaque.
• Cover your dentures with water when you aren’t wearing them to keep them from warping

Adhesives

Adhesives are not necessary for a properly constructed denture or partial. However, on occasion, you may need the assistance of an adhesive to improve its retention. Those with dry mouth conditions or who have had their dentures or partials for a long time without an adjustment or reline may need to use adhesive. The best adhesive is based on the individual’s preference. They come as a cream, powder, pad/wafer or strip.

Adhesives should not be used in order to keep ill-fitting dentures in place. If your denture or partial doesn’t fit properly, we are happy to evaluate them to determine how we can improve their fit.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Strandburg, call us at 478-287-2179 or fill out this form.