Treatment:
- Fabricating a partial or denture is a series of appointments. Your first appointment consists of a comprehensive evaluation of all your remaining teeth to determine which teeth need restorations and/or extractions. Teeth used as an anchor for your partial denture need to be stable and free from decay. If decay is present, the indicated teeth need to be restored prior. If teeth are mobile or have 50% or more alveolar bone loss, it is recommended to remove the indicated teeth. If no other treatment is needed, we can proceed with taking preliminary impressions of the upper and lower teeth for study models and a final impression of the arch needing the partial/denture and a registration of your bite. We will also select a shade for your denture teeth at this appointment.
- The second appointment can either be a framework try-in, which is the metal framework of your partial that will be placed in the mouth to confirm the fit and bite. If your bite is not balanced or has issues with the fit, then adjustments to the framework will be needed. In the event that the metal framework does not feel comfortable in the mouth or fit properly, additional impressions will be needed to refabricate the framework. In another situation, the second appointment may consist of a framework try-in with the teeth in place. If the teeth need to be repositioned, it will be done chairside. After you have approved your bite and the esthetics of your denture teeth, your partial denture in wax will be processed to completion. On rare occasions, the second appointment can be the delivery of the partial denture. Adjustment to the bite and fit will occur during this appointment.
- Next, it will be try-in with teeth in wax. We will try-in the unprocessed partial denture in the mouth. If your bite is not coming together, we will reposition the teeth and bite chairside. After you have approved your bite and the esthetics of your denture teeth, your partial denture in wax will be processed to completion. If your second appointment is the framework try-in with the teeth in wax, this third appointment will be the delivery of your partial/denture. Any adjustments to your bite or to the denture will be done during this appointment.
Delivery:
- The day you receive your partial/denture, we will try-in the appliance and adjust your bite or the denture for a more comfortable bite and fit. It is recommended to wear your denture for 24 hours to determine if any sore spots form, and to schedule a 24-hour follow-up to adjust your partial denture to relieve areas that are tender to pressure. Subsequently, it is recommended to evaluate your denture after 72 hours and 1 week of daily wear.
- Several adjustments may be needed for your partial/denture. When the alveolar bone starts to heal and gum inflammation is no longer present, your denture will feel even more loose. You may need to rely on adhesive temporarily, such as Poligrip® or Fixodent® for retention, until a hard reline is performed.
- A hard reline is recommended to fill in the spaces to achieve more retention approximately 3 months after original delivery. A reline appointment consists of two appointments in one day: a morning appointment and an afternoon appointment.
- During your morning appointment, your denture will be trimmed, and an impression will be taken. Your denture will be sent to the lab to perform the hard reline and will be returned during your afternoon appointment. In some cases, the partial/denture will not be back from the lab until the following day.
- During your afternoon appointment, we will try-in your appliance to ensure the denture feels comfortable. We will adjust areas that are uncomfortable.
- To care for your partial denture, it is suggested to clean it daily. You can brush your denture with a regular toothbrush with medium bristles or a denture toothbrush to remove any plaque between the teeth. Also remove excess adhesive from the partial/denture. We recommend using a denture cleanser tablet such as Efferdent® or Polident® to soak your partial/denture overnight.
- It is recommended to not sleep with your denture.
- Keep your denture away from children and pets.
- When your denture is not in use, store your denture in the denture box which is provided on the day when you receive your denture.
- For questions or concerns about your denture, please give our office a call at (559) 432-8100. We will be happy to assist you.