Instructions for Partial Dentures

Oral tissues were not designed by nature to receive the stress placed on them by partial dentures. Nevertheless, most patients are able to wear well fitting partial dentures successfully. An important aspect is to maintain your remaining oral structures (teeth and gums) in as healthy state as possible. To do this will require your active participation in treatment and follow-up care.

  • Leave your partial dentures out at night while sleeping. If this presents problems they should be left out some other time during the day. A partial denture should be left out for at least 6 out of every 24 hours to allow tissue recovery and to reduce bone resorption.
  • Clean your partial dentures with a stiff denture brush at least once a day. Keep them covered in water when they are not in your mouth to prevent warpage of the acrylic. After meals, remove your partial dentures and rinse them off. Brush your teeth and gums gently with a soft toothbrush at least once a day to stimulate circulation and to keep gums tough and firm. Good oral hygiene will maintain your partial dentures and mouth longer.
  • It is important to chew on your back teeth on both sides at the same time. Very hard foods should be avoided, such as corn-on-the-cob, apples, hard nuts, etc… Start off with soft foods so you can train your muscles to help you place and chew your food. Chewing gum with a partial denture can also increase ridge resorption.
  • On insertion of your partial dentures, your mouth will feel full, especially if you have not worn dentures previously. You will become accustomed to this in a short time. You may also notice some speech distortion initially and this will disappear in 1-2 weeks time. Saliva flow is often markedly increased, but this will level off usually in about a weeks time.
  • You should expect some adjustment period with sore spots as you become accustomed to your partial dentures, even if you have worn them previously. Some people take longer than others to adapt. Time and patience are important.
  • Follow-ups are very important to maintain good looks and function. Only your dentist can properly evaluate this. We will schedule mutually convenient appointments for adjustments and follow-up care.