Getting partial dentures can restore patients’ smiles and allow them to eat more foods without straining. However, adjusting to partials brings some common challenges.
Knowing potential problems and how to tackle them can enable dentists to assist patients navigate this change with confidence. Read on for strategies to resolve partial denture issues.
Be Aware of Common Causes of Discomfort
Pressure sores may form in a patient’s mouth as they adjust to new dentures. Excessive ongoing pain can signal an improper fit. Dentists can adjust the fit of partial dentures by using selective grinding or relining the denture where it causes discomfort. This helps to ensure that the partial fits snugly against the gums.
Recommend Adhesives to Stabilize Partial Dentures
Dentures can slide around and feel loose on the bottom teeth. Adhesives filled into the partial plate before insertion can create suction and help stabilize loose dentures. Caution that adhesives should not be long-term solutions, because sliding partials indicate a need for adjustment.
Remind patients to use dental cement to temporarily repair a partial denture base if it feels loose. This over-the-counter solution can be applied in a thin layer to the interior denture base surface.
This creates a tighter seal to the natural teeth, keeping the partial base in place until patients can make an appointment for a repair.
Promote Denture Cleanliness
Debris buildup on dentures leads to stains, odors, and bacterial growth. Instruct patients to rinse partials after each meal before brushing with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner.
Stiff bristle brushes and strong cleansers can scratch. For a deeper clean, partials can be soaked in an enzymatic soaking solution. In some cases, dentists may need to professionally clean a partial and remove tartar buildup.
Patients should avoid sleeping with dentures in; they need time to air out overnight. Soaking them in cool water can prevent warping. Letting the gums rest for eight hours encourages circulation and helps maintain healthy gum tissue. Partials worn long-term can trap bacteria, and nighttime removal promotes oral hygiene.
Encourage Exercises to Strengthen Oral Muscles
New partial denture wearers must relearn how to chew, and trouble chewing certain foods reveals weak oral muscles. Remind patients to start with soft foods like bananas before re-introducing crunchy or sticky foods into their diets.
Chewing exercises build strength in the cheeks and tongue that are needed to manage partial dentures. Tougher gum or foods like carrots and nuts should be chewed with the back teeth. Encourage patients to build muscle memory by chewing with partials to help them adjust to the dentures.
Many new partial denture wearers also notice temporarily slurred or lisping speech. This occurs because the tongue needs to adapt to the new object in the mouth. Remind patients to take care to pronounce words slowly for the first couple of weeks until their speech is no longer impaired.
Teach Denture Protection
Endorse denture-friendly toothpaste brands. Harsh toothpaste can damage acrylic dentures. Instead, recommend toothpastes designed with dentures in mind.
These contain extra moisturizers and oils that maintain rubberized partial fittings. Formulas with aloe vera and vitamin E may help keep your gum tissue healthy. Using denture toothpaste protects patients’ investments in custom partials.
Dentures should be handled with care to prevent damage. Remind patients to store partials immersed in water or a denture cleaner solution to avoid warping. Dents and cracks can compromise the shape and fit.
Improve Patients’ Oral Health With Dentures Today
New dentures come with an adjustment period. Taking the right steps to identify issues and learn everyday care helps make the transition smoother and boosts patients’ confidence.
With patience and good oral habits, partial dentures can serve patients for years. Take the first step to transform patients’ smiles with dentures today.
