Frequently asked questions
General questions
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1. What are partial dentures?
Partial dentures are one or more artificial teeth and gums that replace a person’s natural teeth when teeth have been lost or removed.1,2 A dentist creates the partial dentures and customizes them to the wearer’s specific needs. Your dentist might recommend a particular type of partial denture based on the number of teeth that require replacement and where in the mouth the partial denture will go.1,2
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2. Types of partial dentures?
There are several different types of partial dentures available. The main difference between the different types is the material that the denture is made out of.2 When choosing between types of partial dentures, it’s important to discuss the benefits of each option with your dentist. Different types of partial dentures may be better suited to different situations.1,2 You can read more about the different types of partial dentures here.
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3. What do partial dentures look like?
Partial dentures are a plate with one or more artificial teeth attached.1,2 In general, partial dentures are made either completely out of acrylic or acrylic with metal clasps. Some attach to the existing teeth with clasps, but some may attach via alternative methods, such as precision attachments.1,2 Most acrylics or metals that partials are made out of are designed to be the color of teeth and gums, so that they blend in with the rest of one’s teeth.1,2,3 However, it’s important to note that no two pairs of partials look exactly alike—all partial dentures are customized for your mouth by your dentist.
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4. How should a partial denture fit?
Figuring out how well-fitted partial dentures should feel in your mouth can be tricky. It may take anywhere between one and four weeks to get used to your new partial dentures and how they fit, but there are a few clear signs that indicate your dentures need to be adjusted.2 If the partial denture feels loose and moves in your mouth, this may be a sign that your partials do not fit properly. If you experience persistent gum soreness, this might also be a sign that you need to check in with your dentist about the fit of your partials.2 For more help, explore our resources on adjusting to living with partials.
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5. How long do partial dentures last?
While partial dentures are pretty tough, they are not indestructible.4 Following a proper partial denture care routine will help to keep your partials looking and performing their best.4 Talk to your dentist about your particular partials and when you may need an adjustment to your appliance.
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6. What to expect when getting partial dentures
After your partial dentures have been fitted, wearing them consistently may feel strange in your mouth and require an adjustment period.2 For the first one to two days after getting partial dentures, your partials may feel heavy and you can expect some changes to the way you speak and eat.2 These changes and sensations are normal—your mouth, tongue, and facial muscles will adapt! Find out more about what to expect during your first week with partials.
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7. What to ask the dentist before a tooth extraction
Getting a tooth extracted can seem like a daunting procedure, but knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease. Talking to your dentist about the schedule on the day of your procedure is important. You might also consider asking questions about anesthetic types, methods to ease pre-extraction anxiety, and what you can expect after the surgery. Learn more about what to expect before, during, and after a tooth extraction and everything you should ask your dentist.
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8. What will my first week with partial dentures be like?
While every person’s experience with partials is different, knowing what to expect during your first week with partial dentures can help you plan. When you start wearing partial dentures, you might experience some initial discomfort and the way that you speak and eat might change.2 One way to meet these challenges is by planning your meals accordingly and practicing talking with your partials in at home. Find out more about what to expect during your first week with partials
Use
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1. How do partial dentures work?
Partial dentures provide one or more replacement teeth that can help you chew, smile, and speak normally.1,2 Partial dentures fill the gaps left in your mouth by lost or removed teeth.1,2 If you’re a new partials wearer, check out our Partial Dental Care 101 guide.
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2. How to remove partial dentures with clasps
One option for removable partial dentures is to have an appliance that attaches to the teeth with metal clasps.2 The clasps connect to the teeth that surround the partial denture to keep the partials in place. Sometimes, the surrounding teeth will need to be crowned so that the clasp can be precisely attach to the crown.2 Since every set of partials is different, talk to your doctor about how to remove your partial dentures with clasps from your mouth in a safe way.
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3. How to apply denture adhesive to partials
Care
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1. How to clean partial dentures
To help prevent permanent stains from developing on your partials, it’s important to soak and brush your partial dentures every day.2,3 Partial denture care is also key for maintaining your oral health. When cleaning your partials, make sure that you’re using a cleanser that’s been specifically formulated to clean partial dentures.2,3 Using a conventional toothpaste or bleach may damage the surface of your partials and cause discoloration.2,3 Learn why you should be using a partial denture cleanser here.
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2. Types of denture cleansers
When exploring partial denture cleansers, you’ll discover that there are many options to choose from. Explore our range of partial denture cleansers and learn more about caring for your partials with our Partial Denture Care 101 guide. Always consult with your dentist so they can advise you in finding the best option that fits your needs.
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3. How to care for partial dentures
Making sure to properly care for your partials is essential when it comes to comfort and durability.2,3 The first step is to establish a daily cleaning routine for your partial dentures. Understanding how to store your appliance correctly and staying on top of gum discomfort are also important. Visit our Partial Denture Care 101 guide here.
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4. Can I sleep with dentures or leave them in overnight?
Since every type of partials is different, you should follow your dentist’s instructions closely when it comes to sleeping in partials overnight. In some cases, your dentist may ask you to wear your partial dentures throughout the day and night when you first get them.2 This can help you identify whether there are problems with the fit of your partials. After this initial assessment period, however, it’s generally not advisable to sleep with your partial dentures in, unless your dentist specifically requests it.2
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5. Should I use 1 tablet of cleanser per set of partial dentures (upper and lower) or 1 tablet of cleanser per all the partial dentures I have?
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6. Can I use more or less Polident tablets than recommended?
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7. How often can I use a partial denture cleanser?
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8. Can I reuse the Polident tablet solution several times?
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9. How to remove plaque from partial dentures
Costs
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1. How much do partial dentures cost?
The cost of your partial dentures depends on a few factors: the material used, the kind of oral care you need, where you’re getting treatment, and the additional dental procedures that you may require.2 Because there are so many factors to calculate, talk to your dentist about your specific situation. Read our full article on how much partial dentures cost here.
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2. Does Medicaid cover partial dentures?
Eating
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1. Can you eat with partial dentures?
After getting your partials, you will need to take it slow when starting to eat. Approach eating firmer foods carefully.2 This includes meat, sweets, and some fruits and veggies. Cutting your food into small pieces can also help make eating with partial dentures easier.2 Be extra careful when eating hard, chewy, and sticky foods that could get stuck on the gum tissue that’s underneath your partials.2 Check out our full guide to eating with partial dentures to learn more.
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2. What foods can I eat with partial dentures?
Just because you’re a partials wearer doesn't mean you can’t eat the foods you enjoy. There are plenty of things you can eat that are easy to chew and won’t irritate your gums. Making a meal plan is a great way to plan ahead.2 Enjoying scrambled eggs, soft fresh fruits, and yogurt for breakfast and soup, chili, and fish at dinner are some delicious foods that are easier to eat with partials. Check out our full guide to eating with partial dentures to learn more.
Speech
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1. Will partial dentures change the way I talk?
You might notice some changes when it comes speaking normally and the way you pronounce certain words after first getting partials.2 These changes to the way you speak are temporary—after your tongue and mouth muscles adjust to your new partial dentures, you’ll quickly adapt to talking comfortably with friends, laughing with family, and speaking up in the workplace again.2 Learn more about what to expect during your first week with partials.
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2. How to talk with partial dentures
When you first get partial dentures, you may experience some difficulty with pronouncing certain words and making certain sounds.3 One way to tackle these challenges is by practicing talking with your partials in at home. Once your mouth adjusts, you should be able to speak comfortably again. If speech problems persist, consult with your dentist.
Relationships
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1. How to tell others I have partial dentures
Breaking the news that you have partial dentures to your partner, family, and friends might feel daunting but there are plenty of ways to take the stress out of this process. Opening up to the close friends or family members that you feel most comfortable with is a great way to start. Over time, you’ll become more confident living with your partial dentures and will gradually feel comfortable with telling more people in your life. There’s no rush! Take things at your own pace.
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2. How to date with partial dentures
Thinking about dating with partial dentures can be a little nerve wracking. However, there are a few things you can do to help build your confidence. First, practice talking with your partial dentures to help get over any hurdles you may have with your speech. If you’re going on a dinner date, think about picking foods that are easy and comfortable to eat. And, of course, don’t forget to smile!
Self-Esteem
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1. How can partial dentures impact my self-esteem?
At the beginning, getting partial dentures might affect your day-to-day confidence. However, there are plenty of ways to boost your confidence during this new chapter of life. Firstly, it's important to remember that you're not alone—many people have partial dentures. Your partials have been made to fit as naturally as possible in your mouth so they shouldn't change the shape of your face or mouth. Adjusting to partials might take time, but you can overcome self-esteem challenges by learning to speak and eat with partial dentures at home and establishing an effective oral hygiene routine. Ultimately, many find that getting partial dentures to fill a hole in their smile leads to greater confidence.1
Source Citations:
- Dentures. American College of Prosthodontists. https://www.gotoapro.org/dentures/.
Accessed 4/12/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF. - Removable Partial Dentures. MouthHealthy by the American Dental Association. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dentures-partial.
Accessed 4/12/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF. - Denture Care and Maintenance. American Dental Association. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dentures-partial.
Accessed 4/12/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF. - The Frequency of Denture Replacement. American College of Prosthodontists. https://www.prosthodontics.org/about-acp/position-statement-the-frequency-of-denture-replacement/.
Accessed 4/12/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF.
