If you are missing one or more of your teeth then you may be a good candidate for partial dentures. While there are other options available to replace your teeth, sometimes partial dentures can be the best choice. You can learn about partial dentures, why you may be a better candidate for them and how you should care for them in the information detailed below.

How do partial dentures work?

To get partial dentures, you will go into the dentist who will have you bite down on a mold that will be used to make an impression of your teeth and gums. A partial denture will then be made to snap in place with prosthetic teeth that replace your missing ones. The dentures can be removed anytime you want, such as when it's time to clean them or before you go to bed.

Who is good candidates for partial dentures?

If you are missing at least one of your teeth, then you may be a good candidate to get a partial denture. There are also other options available to replace missing teeth, but some of these can be more costly and they can depend on the health and condition of your jawbone or other teeth. Also, if you have a problem with healing then the dentist may suggest going with partial dentures over other options.

How do you care for your dentures?

Although partial dentures do require a bit more care than simply brushing and flossing your natural teeth, they are still very easy to care for. Before you go to clean them, lay a washcloth down in the bottom of your bathroom sink and fill the sink with a bit of water. This is going to offer you a safe area to clean them so you won't risk breaking them if they accidentally drop.

Rinse the partial dentures off in lukewarm water and brush them with a toothbrush that has denture paste on it. If you use adhesive to hold them in place, make sure you get all the adhesive off each time. Put the dentures in a secure container with water in it. Never use very hot water to clean your dentures or it can damage them.

When you wear dentures you should avoid eating sticky foods and hard foods. You also want to make sure you go in to see a dentist, like Peak Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, if your dentures start to feel as if they aren't fitting correctly. They may need an adjustment and not getting one can eventually cause pain, sores and increase the chance that the dentures will break.