partial denture in a hand of a dentist

It will take some time if you’ve never undergone partial denture treatment. You will go through an adjustment period where some discomfort is expected. Minor adjustments to your device are usually required, which is completely normal.

Even experienced denture users will require some time to get used to their new appliance; the only difference is that they know what to expect and how long it will take to get used to them. After a little practice, most people can wear them efficiently.

Typically, the time frame required for patients to get used to their new structure varies depending on their case. Talk to our dentist near you to learn more about this process and how you can adjust to this new chapter in your oral health journey. 

Below, we review some of the most frequently asked questions by patients as they acclimatize to new dentures. So please read on to learn more!

Are Partial Dentures Easy to Get Used To?

Multiple factors influence how fast you get used to partial dentures. Here are a few:

Earlier Experience

If you have previously worn a removable partial denture, you will need less time to acclimatize to the new set. The more similar the design is to your prior denture, the faster you will become accustomed to wearing it.

Individual Age

It becomes challenging with growing age to adjust and adapt to significant changes in your mouth.

Partial Denture Type

A basic acrylic denture is bulky, covers the largest surface area, is not quite the closest fitting, and has the lowest holding (grip). As a result, it takes the most time to become accustomed to and requires more muscle control than the remaining alternatives. Chrome dentures and Flexi-dentures offer a stronger grip and are smaller, making them simpler to wear.

Number of Teeth Getting Replaced

With a greater number of teeth on the plate, the size of the plate increases. Hence, an enlarged plate takes a lot to fit in your mouth properly. 

Free-End Saddles

It is ‘dental slang’ for losing all the back molars on one side. Because no back teeth support the denture, it tends to be somewhat unstable and must be supported by your ridge (the upper area of your gum). 

Consequently, you have less traction, and it can drop somewhat in the upper jaw or move around slightly in the lower jaw (based on which additional teeth are present to help keep it steady). Muscle control must be enhanced, and dentures with free-end saddles must be adjusted further. An implant or surgical attachment might be used to solve the problem. 

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Partial Dentures?

Most people will feel at ease wearing them after a few weeks. Expect discomfort and irritation in various spots throughout the first week. It could cause your gums to get red or end in a terrible, small ulcer. Most dentists will schedule a follow-up appointment with you a few days or weeks later to see how you are doing.

Call and make an appointment sooner if you are in much pain before this period. If you experience soreness and ulcers during the first week of wearing them, they will take some time to heal, and the best thing you can do, to begin with is to remove the dentures as much as possible and let your gums recuperate. Warm salt rinses or chlorhexidine mouthwash can help you recover faster. 

Can You Wear Partial Dentures All the Time?

While it is technically possible to wear partial dentures all the time, it is not recommended for your dental health. It is ideal for your gums and teeth if you remove your partial dentures at night. When you wear partial dentures all the time, bacteria and fungi can grow under the denture and in your mouth. It can cause odours, discomfort, and gum disease.

Is It Hard to Eat With Partial Dentures?

Learning to eat with your new dentures may take some time and effort. Consider a softer diet by cutting food into small pieces and chewing gently to get used to the dentures and establish the necessary control. Sticky foods like toffee and hard foods like nuts should be avoided at first. The more lost teeth your denture replaces, the slower you should go.

Come into Our Denture Clinic Near You!

Some people will have problems with their partial dentures and cannot wear them. It is why we advocate for dental implants and implant-supported dentures. Snap-in dentures will be metal-free, lightweight, and free of unattractive metal wires. 

They are more comfortable than partial dentures because they do not press against your teeth and do not move about in your mouth. You may also have issues with your top dentures. Upper denture difficulties are prevalent whether you have a full or fixed partial denture since they can affect your speech, gag reflex, chewing, and TMJ. You should have no trouble with a professionally manufactured denture. 

In any situation, SaddleStone Dental is here to help you overcome any challenges to your oral health. Phone us today!