If you have lost several of your teeth, then you may consult with a prosthodontist so that a replacement device can be made. If you are concerned about costs or if you want dental implants down the road, then a partial denture may be your best option. These types of devices can cause gum disease though. Gum disease can cause bone loss problems, and this will limit your ability to receive dental implants. You also may lose more teeth. You can prevent gum disease concerns by considering the tips explained in this article.
Combat Looseness
Partial dentures fit in the mouth with the assistance of brackets and metal attachments that sit close to the teeth. These attachments are made in a precise manner so your dentures secure as tightly as possible. If the attachments are made out of nickel or silver, then the attachments may wear away quickly. This can force the denture to loosen, and food can work its way underneath the acrylic prosthesis. You can prevent this from happening by asking your dentist to use either cobalt or vitallium to create the attachment pieces of your denture. Both of these metals wear extremely well, and this means your denture will be less likely to bend or shift.
If for some reason your cobalt or vitallium denture does bend from excessive pressure, then do not try to force the attachments back into place. Cobalt is considered brittle when it is manipulated, so seek out assistance from your prosthodontist if you need an adjustment.
Reduce Dental Damage
Movement of the metal attachments across your partial dentures can cause them to loosen, and so can cracks and chips along the natural teeth. This means you should prevent dental damage to make sure the denture does not shift. Do not bite down on ice and ask your dentist for a bruxism guard if you grind your teeth in the evening. Also, stay away from popcorn that may contain hard kernels and never rip food packages with your teeth. Be careful when eating pretzels, baguettes, and olives with pits as well.
If you do see a cavity or crack in your tooth, then make sure to see your dentist or prosthodontist immediately. Take your partial denture with you as well, so the device can be fitted in your mouth after the filling is secured. If the denture feels tight or loose after the treatments is completed, then ask the dental professional to either add or remove resin composite material so the denture fits correctly.
Clean Plaque Efficiently
Gum disease is often caused by the build up of plaque, because this material can serve as a food for the bacteria in the mouth. When the plaque sits around or underneath your partial denture, then bacteria will gather and cause gum infections. You can reduce this problem by making sure to clean both your denture and your teeth as thoroughly as possible. Skip the toothpaste when you clean your denture though, because the abrasive agents in the paste will force small scrapes to form in the acrylic base and the artificial teeth. These small openings are perfect places for plaque, food, and bacteria to gather.
To clean your partial denture, consider using a non-abrasive antibacterial hand soap. Make sure the cleaner is alcohol free though, or you may dry out the acrylic base of the denture. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and the soap to clean your dentures every evening. Keep your partial denture out of the mouth afterwards to make sure that plaque does not build under the device in your sleep.
Use a Water Flosser
You should use dental floss to clean the plaque from around your teeth once you remove your partial denture. If plaque builds strongly around the teeth and gums that sit near the metal attachments of the device, then floss may not be enough to get rid of the material. You should purchase a water flosser or pic to use instead. This type of device forces pressurized water against the teeth to force plaque away. The flosser can clean underneath the gums as well to keep gum disease from forming.
If you decide to have a partial denture placed in your mouth, then a prosthodontist will make sure the device fits properly. You can click here to find a prosthodontist near you. After the device is secured, you will need to work hard to prevent gum disease. Follow the tips above to keep infections at bay.
