Partial dentures provide wearers with a full set of teeth to improve their eating and speaking abilities. Regular follow-up appointments can increase the longevity of your partial dentures by checking the fit and overall condition. Here are some of the benefits of scheduling regular follow-up appointments:
Denture Health
Partial dentures are devices that wearers use daily to increase their chewing surface area and help with speech. Regular follow-up appointments allow dentists to check the health of the denture. They will look for cracks, wear, or warping. Most dentures can last between five and ten years, depending on the materials. Metal dentures tend to last longer than devices made with only acrylic.
To prolong the life of a dental device, wearers should routinely clean them every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Soaking the partial denture each night in denture-cleaning solutions helps to remove bacteria and stains. Rinse the device in the morning to remove any remaining cleaning solution before wearing it.
Denture Performance
Inspections involve testing the partial denture for comfort and function. The device should remain in place during active chewing or speaking. If the prosthetic teeth tilt out of alignment, the partial may not function properly. One benefit of this type of denture is that it prevents existing teeth from moving. Dentists will check the current condition of the wearer’s teeth to see if the device is working as intended.
We can fabricate a denture according to a wearer’s preferences for comfort. Clasps are available in clear, enamel, or durable metal. Another option wearers have is to use DurAcetal® material for snap-in partials. Combination devices, such as metal frameworks, provide a stronger device while maintaining biocompatibility. Having a variety of options allows dentists and their patients to create a device unique to them and their specific needs.
Oral Health Check-ups
Dental check-ups are generally done bi-annually, depending on a person’s health factors. Health conditions like diabetes, pregnancy, and cancer can weaken oral health. A professional dental provider will look for changes in the wearer’s teeth and mouth. They also offer cleaning services that are more effective than brushing and flossing at home.
One symptom of having missing teeth is atrophy. When someone loses a tooth, they lose a stimulating connection to the jaw itself. This may result in bone and muscle loss over time, which changes how a partial denture fits. Keeping a record of this condition gives a dentist valuable information for each client’s treatment plan.
Maintenance and Repair
Typical damage dentists may see in dentures are thin cracks along the acrylic base from daily wear. We provide repair services to correct these issues and maintain the longevity of the device. Our experienced technicians use a laser to weld these cracks without damaging the prosthetic teeth or base. If you need a repair, we recommend contacting us in advance to schedule the service, as we have limited availability with rush services.
It could be time to replace a denture when it becomes loose, too damaged for repair, or doesn’t fit the wearer anymore. Common symptoms of a poorly functioning denture include difficulty speaking or an uncomfortable fit. A dentist can detect when a dental device is no longer viable and work with our team to find solutions for repair or replacement.
Denture Replacements
To order a new device with us, a prescription form is located on our website for providers to fill out. We require a mold of the wearer’s mouth to check the fit of each device we create. A variety of different intraoral scanner files can be submitted through our upload page. Physical impressions should be carefully packaged in a plastic bag and padded to prevent shipping damage.
Replacement devices can be complete reconstructions of the wearer’s existing partials or new devices entirely. Flexible partials offer a translucent property to their bases, allowing a wearer’s natural gum color to show through the device. Plastic materials used in flexible partials are also compatible with a metal framework, which is placed inside the plastic denture, offering a stronger device.
Once we have fabricated and shipped the device, most dental practices can expect their order to be delivered between four and eight business days. This timeframe does not include holidays. Tracking information is included with United Parcel Service (UPS) shipments. Contact us directly to schedule your order with our rush service for a faster turnaround time.
Learn More About Partial Dentures
At Mabel Dental, we fabricate dental devices for a variety of cases. Some of the devices we offer include metal partials, flexible partials, and acrylic flippers. Our color-matching technology allows us to create realistic prosthetics that are both comfortable and durable. We work closely with dentists and other specialists to make sure they receive devices that are customized to their exact specifications. Contact us today to learn more about our partial denture services.
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