A partial denture is a great way to keep your smile wholesome and protect your remaining teeth. On the other hand, patients feel skeptical when they think about trying to eat with partial dentures. For some it is almost as difficult as learning how to ride a bike in the initial stages. The looks of partial dentures are natural, but when trying to eat like you normally would you realize it is not the same. Yes, it does take some time to get used to them but we will help you learn how to eat comfortably again.
Dentures are generally known as a full set of teeth for patients who need replacement of the upper or lower dentures. The partial denture is used to replace multiple teeth in a patient who has some healthy teeth remaining in the upper or lower denture. The purpose of having partial dentures is to support continued health of the other permanent teeth by replacing the lost tooth or multiple teeth. A partial denture can be removed or permanently fixed in place. If a denture is fixed in place then there is likely to be a struggle period in learning how to eat with a partial denture in place.
A removable partial denture is easy to remove and replace at the patient’s leisure. However, many people are required to wear them in order to properly break and chew food.
Like many other things in life, eating with your partial dentures is like having an acquired taste. Like all acquired tastes, it requires time, patience and practice. At first many patients describe the feeling of dentures as having their lips pushed forward or teeth feeling too big for their mouth. Leaving your partial denture in while chewing can be accomplished as long as you remember to follow rules:
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Avoid biting with front teeth. Push food back to the side and chew slowly.
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Cut up food in smaller pieces than normally used to and try chewing on both sides.
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Interchange between liquid diet and soft foods until gums grow stronger.
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Avoid eating sticky foods or candy, as they are likely to stick to your dentures.
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Removable partials should be soaked overnight to maintain the soft plastic pliable and maximize the lifespan of your denture.
Dentures and partial dentures are built to last. As per the study from the International Journal of Prosthodontics, the official journal of the International Society for Maxillofacial Rehabilitation, the survival rate of removable partial dentures following a retrospective study showed approximately 90 percent of oral service following 10 years of use. As long as you take proper care of your teeth and your dentures you will live comfortably with them for years to come.
Growing accustomed to your partial dentures is not as difficult as others make it out to be. Partial dentures provide you with years of a pleasant smile, easy-speaking and eating with little to no-adjustments. If you have any questions regarding your need for partial dentures then schedule a consultation to learn how to eat with them properly.
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