Tips on Adjusting to Your New Partial Dentures

Partials are a type of denture that do not replace all your teeth, but act as a way to preserve remaining teeth, support your jaw integrity, and make smiling and chewing a lot better.

Pulling teeth is an extreme measure that should not be taken lightly. Whenever possible, a good dentist will try to save your remaining teeth, even if you have lost quite a few.

If any dentist tells you he or she has to pull all your bottom teeth, or any other extreme and expensive procedure, warning bells should go off in your head. ALWAYS get a 2nd or 3rd opinion. I can't stress this enough.

Your new partials will feel a bit strange at first. You may even think, "What have I done? This is kind of awkward getting used to." That's normal.

You've got some new hardware in your mouth. Chewing and talking will seem slightly odd at first.

But within a very short time, you'll get used to your partial dentures, popping them in and out of your mouth, and chewing up your favorite foods like before. Plus, you'll have a lot more confidence in smiling and talking.

Here is some advice on getting used to your partials.

(1) You will have more saliva production in your mouth for a brief amount of time. This will end soon.

(2) You will probably notice that food seems to stick to the partials, making you think you've got big gobs of cuisine jammed in them. It feels that way, but there will be far less food stuck in them that it feels like. Just pop them out, rinse out your mouth and rinse the partials, then pop them back in.

When convenient, brush and floss your remaining teeth and brush the partials, too, before popping them back in.

(3) Avoid dining in restaurants for a few days or weeks. You need to get adjusted to chewing with your partials before you'll want to eat in a public place.

Also -- avoid sticky foods and foods that require a lot of strenuous chewing at first. Go with softer cuisine. Cut up small sections and take your time getting used to eating your food.

(4) Keep telling yourself, "I have modern technology in my mouth now. I will be patient. Soon it will be no big deal and everything will be back to normal."

(5) Follow all instructions from your dentist.

(6) If your partials seem to not fit right after a few days, or there's a pinching when you pop them out, tell your dentist. He or she can probably get you in quickly to make some minor adjustments to increase your comfort and perfect the fit.

(7) NEVER use toothpaste or any abrasive cleansing agent to clean your partials. A mild liquid soap or dishwashing detergent, like Dawn, will be fine.

(8) Keep your partials away from pets like dogs or cats, because they may try to chew and eat them.

(9) Rinse off and gently brush your partials in cool water, NEVER hot water.

(10) Have a rubber mat or cloth towel in the sink, under your partials, as you clean them, to cushion their fall  in case you drop them.

(11) Take your partial dentures out every night before you go to bed. This will allow your gums to get air.

(12) NEVER force your partials into place by biting down or clenching your jaws. They should slip in and out with relative ease.

(13) Wear your partials a lot, especially at first, so possible problems can be more quickly identified.

(14) Avoid bending or breaking your partials.

(15) Store them in a glass of cool water overnight.

(16) If you have a bit of difficulty speaking clearly, practice reading a book or making a speech out loud to adjust your mouth to the new hardware in it.

(17) NEVER try to adjust or repair your partials by yourself. You could end up ruining them. Have only the dentist who fitted you for them do the adjusting or repairing.

(18) Never loan your partials to another person. [Okay, this is just a joke. I hope!]

Keep these tips in mind and you'll be on your way to full satisfaction with your new partial dentures!

Installing Your Partial Dentures VIDEO

Here's a good video on how partial dentures are prepared.

Rushed Dentures Can't Be Good Dentures

A recent TV commercial makes it seem like waiting "a few weeks" for dentures is an intolerable burden.

The slick ad states that you'll have to sip your food through a straw until your dentures are done. A character in the commercial acts shocked and defiantly rejects such a scenario.

The "fast food" type dentures provider makes it seem like getting a new pair of dentures is something that doesn't need much time at all. This appeals to the modern tendency to be impatient and want everything right now.

Viewers are left with the erroneous impression that dentures should be designed and delivered quickly, so you can get back to eating food like a normal person with a full set of healthy teeth.

But consider this: you'll live with your dentures many years. They will be the tools that enable you to talk and chew your food. To rush the process, delivering your dentures the same day, or in very short time, is not necessarily the best way to get dentures.

Another false aspect of these TV commercials is the idea that once you get your new dentures, you'll be eating any kind of food easily. It skips over the fact that it takes some time and practice to get used to dentures. Your chewing and speaking will be a bit challenging at first. 

It's smart to take such dubious advertising with a grain of salt. Don't allow yourself to be tricked into going with the fastest, cheapest pair of dentures that some corporate chain or fly-by-night dentist is trying to sell you.

Need more information?

If you have questions about these "fast food" type dental services, please contact my office.

Same Day Dentures and Other Dubious Dental Services

There are dental service chains advertising how you can get new dentures in just one day. Or have dental work done at  a super low price. You see their TV commercials all the time. Their online ads are all over the internet.

This "fast food" type dental service is compelling to many patients. So what's really going on here?

If it sounds too good to be true, you probably should "look before you leap."

Free websites you make yourself typically have lousy SEO values -- and you're often locked into a content management system that won't let you do certain things.

Super cheap used cars generally mean you have to eventually dump a lot of money into repairs to keep them going.

What about "same day dentures" and other dental services that are advertised as cheap and fast?

You tend to get what you pay for.

I will not condemn any specific companies or criticize patients who use such high volume dental services.

But I can tell you that some of those who try these services will likely go to a mainstream dentist to fix what these services have done. Why risk having to pay twice for one dental service?

Google such phrases as "cheap dentures reviews" or "low cost dental implants reviews" and see what kind of patient evaluations, complaints, praises, critique, and horror stories are out there.

Credible reviews will typically not be 100% negative nor 100% positive. 

Trustworthy reviewers tend to mix good and bad remarks, with specifics that seem authentic, true to real life situations. In some cases, a review may be all bad or all good, but even then, you'll notice little details and personal quirks in them that make the reviews ring true and sound authentic.

Do a little research online. Then call 4 or 5 dentists and orthodontists, to get their opinions. Consider all angles, then come to your own conclusion.

if a discount, "fast food" type dental services has caused you problems, contact my office. I will personally consult you on what needs to be fixed, how much it may cost, and various payment options.

Your teeth are among your very best friends in life. 

Treat them with dignity and respect!

Should I Get All My Teeth Pulled and Get Dentures?

If you have a lot of bad teeth, should you get all your teeth pulled and replace them with a set of dentures?

Probably not, but each case must be evaluated on its own. In most cases, we want to preserve the remaining teeth. Bridges, implants, or partials might be the best solution.

Some of my Peoria, IL dental patients come to me with bad teeth.

First, don't be ashamed or embarrassed about it. There are many reasons for rotting teeth. Don't blame yourself or feel guilty.

Dentists are non-judgmental. We focus on compassion, understanding, and solutions!

Some facts about dentures:

(1) Dentures have improved greatly in recent years.

(2) Dentures are generally the last resort.

(3) If we must remove all your teeth and replace them with dentures, it's a lot less painful to do than you might imagine.

(4) Dentures are made of much better materials nowadays.

(5) In the 1800s, poor people had all their teeth pulled, and sold their teeth, so rich people could have dentures made out of them!

(6) Older people often have partial or full dentures, but your teeth don't naturally decay and fall out just because of your advanced age.

(7) Even full dentures must be relined or replaced with new dentures eventually. One set of dentures may not last your entire life.

(8) Do NOT rush to the conclusion that you need full dentures just because you're missing a lot of teeth, or because your existing teeth are in poor shape. Bridges and partials might be a far better, and more economical, solution.

If you have concerns about dentures, or are having trouble with current dentures, please contact my office.

Chances are, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the solutions we can offer you!

Cleaning and Caring for Your Dentures VIDEO

A patient explains how she keeps her dentures clean and white, plus how to use denture adhesive.

If you have dentures, it's important to know good procedures for denture hygiene and maintenance.

Need dentures? Contact my office and I'll be happy to give you more information and provide the dental services you need.

Tips for Patients with New Dentures VIDEO

When you get new dentures, there are some rules to help you succeed with them.

You'll be so proud of your new smile, but chewing and speaking will present some minor issues that are easily overcome. Be sure to leave your dentures in your mouth as much as possible, to help your mouth, gums and jaws to adjust to them.

This video is full of great advice for new denture wearers.