Caring for your Complete (Full) and Partial Dentures

Dec 3 • 3 minute read

Caring for your Complete (Full) and Partial Dentures

There are two types of dentures: Complete Dentures (upper and lower) and Partial Dentures (upper and lower).

Complete Dentures: Patients wear complete dentures when all their teeth are missing. A complete
denture for the upper arch is placed in the mouth after the teeth are removed and the tissues have healed. The base of the upper denture covers the palate which is the roof of the mouth. When the base of the upper denture rests against the gums and palate, it makes a seal to hold the denture in place.

A complete denture for the lower arch is placed in the mouth after the teeth are removed and the tissues have healed. The lower denture has a horseshoe shape. The lower denture rests on the gum and bone tissues of the dental ridge. The cheek muscles and tongue help hold the lower denture in place.

Partial Dentures: Patients wear partial dentures to replace some missing teeth. The partial dentures for upper and lower arches are removable. Removable partial dentures (upper and lower) usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases. Removable partial denture may have a metal framework and clasps that connect to the teeth. The clasps connect to the teeth stabilize the removable partial denture in the mouth for biting and chewing.

Complete and Partial Denture Care and Maintenance

Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Run water over the dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. Before cleaning the denture, hold it over a towel or a sink full of water, just in case you accidentally drop it.

Use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid to clean the dentures.
Use a brush that is designed for cleaning dentures. A denture brush has bristles (soft) that are
specifically arranged to fit the shape of the dentures.
Brush the denture surfaces gently to avoid damaging the plastic or bending the metal framework
or clasps.
Do not use toothpaste. It can be too abrasive for cleaning denture.
Dentures should never be placed in hot or boiling water, which could cause them to warp.
Remove the denture(s) and place them in denture cleanser overnight.
Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them in your mouth, especially if denture cleanser is
used to clean the dentures.
Schedule regular dental checkups. The dentist recommends how often to examine your mouth, oral tissues and the fit of the dentures. They should be professionally cleaned.
See your dentist if the dentures are loose or they are not fitting properly.

In 2015, the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) developed a position statement (reaffirmed in 2018) on frequency of denture replacement. ACP recommends complete dentures and removable partial dentures to be evaluated by a dental professional for replacement when at least one of the following conditions occurs:
Chronic irritation (inflammation) exists beneath the denture bases.
If denture adhesives are required to eat, or to retain the dentures socially, or when adhesives must be used more than once daily.
If the patient will not or cannot wear the dentures.
If the dentures are not stable in the mouth, no longer fit well or denture teeth are discolored,
cracked, broken or missing.
If there is a change in the teeth supporting the dentures.

If it has been more than 5 years since the denture was fabricated.

Dr. Anna Lee is a general and cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. She is experienced in all phases of dentistry. She treats patients of all ages. If you have any questions about your complete or partial dentures, call our office for a consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com.

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