Dentists often recommend a removable partial denture to replace up to three consecutively missing teeth to restore function and aesthetics. This dental prosthesis can help patients chew again and stabilize the remaining natural teeth.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, removable dentures can last five to seven years. How can you prolong the life of your bridge? With good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings, bridges may last for more than 10 years.
Removable partial dentures fail for the same reasons that natural teeth fail: neglectful oral hygiene or damage. Here are strategies to help avoid these problems:
At-Home Oral Hygiene
Just like your natural teeth, removable partial dentures require excellent daily care:
- Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
- Floss or clean between teeth at least once per day.
- Antibacterial mouthwashes can help keep oral bacteria at bay.
Over time, partial can resorb bone or fit poorly, creating an open space between the bridge and the gumline and trap food debris. If people don’t clean underneath their bridges properly, bacteria will flourish in the mouth. An overgrowth of bacteria can cause bad breath, plaque, and gum disease, weakening the anchoring teeth and causing the bridge to fail.
In addition to regular oral hygiene, patients must take out their removable bridges every day to scrub away food particles plaque.
Diet
As the mouth adjusts to the new dental prosthesis, patients should eat softer foods and evenly chew on both sides of the mouth. Partials function like natural teeth. However, some foods and drinks should be avoided or enjoyed in moderation to prolong the longevity of the restoration.
For example, foods that require extensive chewing should be avoided:
- Sticky foods can get caught between and under the dental prosthesis or can be tacky and strong enough to pull off the removable denture. Some examples are caramel, gum, and other chewy candies.
- Hard foods can damage removable partial dentures by fracturing the bridge or damaging it over an extended period. Ice, nuts, and popcorn kernels can damage the structure of the bridge.
- Tough, chewy foods can be more challenging to eat with bridges. Cut tougher cuts of meat, like steak, into smaller pieces for easier chewing.
Additionally, patients must protect the neighboring teeth to maintain a seamless, healthy smile. People should take measures to avoid staining from dark-colored foods and drinks. Even though the materials used to create the removable denture are resistant to staining and decay, the neighboring teeth are not.
Checkups and Cleanings
To support outstanding oral health, the American Dental Association recommends regular dental visits. Regular dental checkups maximize the lifespan of partials by ensuring that the dental prosthesis is intact and operating appropriately. If needed, the dentist can repair or replace the bridge.
Regular dental cleanings help prevent the development of gum disease. Oral bacteria and saliva combine to form plaque. If bridges and natural teeth aren’t cleaned properly, the plaque hardens into tartar. When tartar isn’t removed, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontal disease can form over time.
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Julie Glud educates patients on how to properly care for their removable partial dentures and other restorations so that they can last for as long as possible. Schedule an appointment by calling us at 630-629-5700 or messaging us online today.
