How Difficult Are Partials to Care for?

Getting a new set of pearly whites can be exciting, but you might wonder how hard it is to care for your partial. Taking good care of your dental appliance is the only way to ensure that your new smile will remain beautiful for years to come. Fortunately, you can get into an easy daily routine to keep your partial functional and clean.

It’s important to clean your partial properly on a daily basis. Make a habit of rinsing it off after every meal or snack. Avoid using hot water which can damage the appliance.

Just like natural teeth, partials need to be brushed daily. Never use toothpaste to brush your partial! It is too abrasive and can create tiny scratches, allowing bacteria from food to hide in the material. Instead, use denture paste and a denture brush to gently scrub your partial. You can also use mild dishwashing or hand soap.

When it’s time to take your partial out at night, make sure to store it in a soaking solution. This will remove food particles and bacteria more thoroughly than brushing alone. Keeping your appliance moist will also allow it to retain its shape and stay comfortable in your mouth. Rinse it with warm water before placing it back into your mouth.

If your partial has metal components, it should not be soaked overnight. Speak with your dentist to discuss storage alternatives.

Handle your partial with care! It has delicate parts that could break if you drop it.

Take care while placing your partial into place and while removing it. You should be able to remove it by using your fingertips or fingernails to gently pull the clasps of the appliance straight down. When you place it back into your mouth, use your fingers to gently push it into place until it is secure. Avoid the temptation to bite the appliance into place–the force could damage the partial.

Take care when eating particularly tough or sticky foods that can damage your partial. In some cases, it may be best to avoid such foods. Keep in mind also that coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your artificial teeth.

Just as it is important to take good care of your partial, it is also crucial to continue maintaining good health throughout the rest of your mouth. Continue brushing, flossing, and caring for your natural teeth and gums as you normally would.

Partials are made to withstand daily use, but they can sometimes become bent or damaged. If you find that your appliance has become uncomfortable, or if you find sores or irritation on your gums, make an appointment to see your dentist.

At Ellicott City Dentistry, we are experts in helping you care for your partials. We are proud to provide excellent dental care to the families of Ellicott City and the surrounding communities. If your partial needs to be fixed or realigned, or if you would like to schedule a dental appointment for any other reason, please call us at 410-465-3021.