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Replacing Missing Teeth with Partial Dentures

A partial denture replaces one or more missing teeth, and usually consists of the replacement tooth being attached to a pink gum coloured acrylic base. Some partial dentures may have metal framework made out of cobalt chrome alloy. The advantage of this material is that it is very light and strong, so the framework can be very thin. This can feel less obtrusive in the mouth, and many of our patients at Leeds City Dentalcare find them easier to get used to as they can feel quite natural.

Choosing the Best Partial denture for your Needs

We do have quite a few different dentures available, and the exact choice can depend on how many teeth need replacing, their location, and how much you wish to spend. Some choices are more budget conscious while others are for people who want the very best aesthetic results.Dr David Brown or another of our dentists will discuss which type is most suitable for your needs.

How Long Does it Take for a Partial Denture to be Made?

The exact length of time taken to fabricate a partial denture in Leeds can vary, but generally takes approximately 6 weeks and will require several appointments at our Leeds surgery.

The process involves taking impressions of your mouth which are then used to construct accurate models. The dental laboratory uses these models to create wax bite rims that will be used by one of our dentists to take exact measurements of how your jaws relate to one another.

These dimensions are then used by the dental laboratory to fabricate your denture. If you are having a cobalt chrome substructure, then this will be cast up first and is used to construct a wax try in of the partial denture. The wax try in uses the same teeth that will be on the final finished denture so you’ll have a very good idea of how it will look and feel.

At this stage Dr David Brown or whomever is constructing your denture for you will try it in and make sure the shape and fit look good. Once this stage is completed then the denture is sent back to the laboratory for processing. This is where the wax is replaced with a strong acrylic base. The final step is to have it fitted at Leeds City Dentalcare and for any final adjustments to be made. Your new denture may feel a little strange at first, and you might find it slightly uncomfortable. It’s not uncommon to require a few adjustments initially to get the fit exactly perfect.

Caring for Your New Partial Denture

It’s important to keep your new denture clean, and to brush it every day using a soft denture brush and either dish soap or a proprietary denture cleaner. You shouldn’t use toothpaste on your denture as it is too abrasive and will damage it, as will any beach-based cleaning solution. Very hot water should never be used to clean your partial denture, as it could cause it to warp. Soaking your denture overnight in a proprietary denture cleaner will help freshen it up, or you may wish to store it in a little clean, fresh water. If you do happen to break your partial denture then please contact dentist in Leeds City Dentalcare and we will arrange for it to be mended. Please don’t try to mend it yourself, especially with superglue as this will damage your denture.

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