Partial Denture Post-Operative Instructions

Care for Partial Dentures and What to Expect

• At your delivery, we will make minor adjustments to your dentures to ensure that they feel comfortable when you leave. 
• To put your partial denture in place, always use finger pressure, NEVER bite your partial into place. This can cause the metal to bend or the acrylic to break. It often helps to insert the front of the partial first, then swing the back part into place after. Make sure the partial is parallel to the ground so that you’re inserting the left and right side simultaneously.  
• To remove your partial denture, use your fingernails to pull down on the metal clasps on both sides that are closest to the front of your mouth. Once the front is dislodged, use your fingernails to pull down the clasps that are furthest back. 
• In the beginning, you may need a mirror until you get used to placing and removing your partial denture. With time and patience, you will have no problem getting it in and out.  
• The number of adjustments needed varies from patient to patient, but the average number usually falls in the one to three appointment range. We encourage you to always try newly adjusted dentures for at least three days prior to returning for another adjustment. Sometimes it just takes time for the mouth to adjust itself, and remember, the less material we remove from the dentures, the better the dentures will fit.

Care for your partials...

• Take them out at night and use a wet toothbrush to remove any debris. 
• Gently brush the gums and the teeth to help eliminate bacteria and remove debris. 
• Store your partials in a glass or container with water and a teaspoon of baking soda.  
• Store-bought denture cleaners are okay, but baking soda is a gentler, chemical-free solution to maintaining clean dentures. 
• Keeping them in water overnight prevents them from drying out. Dehydrated dentures tend to crack and break more easily over time. 
• Return for regular exams and cleanings every three to six months according to the recommendation of your dentist.