Patient Guide for Your Cast Metal Partial Denture

Q: My partial feels loose/tight. Should I try to bend the metal clasps myself?

No, never attempt to adjust the clasps yourself. They are precisely designed to fit your teeth and will likely break, which can be an expensive repair. If the fit doesn’t feel right, please call our office so we can make the necessary adjustments for you safely.

Q: I stopped wearing my partial for a few weeks and now it doesn't fit. What happened?

Teeth can shift over time, especially into open spaces. The partial denture is designed to prevent this from happening. If it’s not worn consistently, your teeth can drift, and the partial will no longer fit. Please call our office to schedule a visit so we can assess the situation.

Q: Do I still need to brush the teeth that the partial is attached to?

Yes, and those teeth require extra attention. The clasps can trap plaque against your natural teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities. Meticulous brushing and flossing of these anchor teeth is critical to keeping them strong and healthy.

Care for Your New Restoration

The Adjustment Period

Your new partial denture will feel strange and bulky at first. This is a normal part of the adjustment period as your tongue, cheeks, and gums learn to adapt to it.

Speaking: You may notice a slight change in your speech. This is temporary. Reading aloud for a few minutes each day is the fastest way to help your tongue adapt and return your speech to normal.
Eating: Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly, using both sides of your mouth at the same time to keep the partial stable. Avoid very sticky or hard foods in the beginning.
Saliva: It’s common to have more saliva for the first few days. This will decrease as your mouth gets used to the appliance.

Bite Adjustment Information

It is very common to develop sore spots on your gums as you get used to your partial. This is not a sign of a poor fit, but rather an area that needs a simple, precise adjustment.

Do not try to adjust the partial yourself. You can cause irreparable damage to the metal framework or clasps.
CRITICAL INSTRUCTION FOR ADJUSTMENTS: If you schedule an appointment to adjust a sore spot, you MUST wear your partial denture for the full 24 hours preceding your appointment. While this may be uncomfortable, it is the only way for us to see the precise location of the sore spot on your gums, which allows us to make an accurate and effective adjustment. If you do not wear it, we will not be able to see the mark and cannot properly adjust the denture.

Permanent Prosthetic / Denture Care

Your cast metal partial is a significant investment in your health and smile. Proper daily care is essential for its longevity and for the health of your remaining natural teeth.

How to Insert & Remove (CRITICAL)

Insertion: Use your fingers and thumbs to gently press the partial into place over your teeth. It is designed to follow a specific path. NEVER bite your partial into place. This can damage the clasps and your natural teeth.
Removal: Do NOT remove the partial by pulling or prying on the metal clasps. This will bend them over time and cause your partial to become loose. Instead, place your fingernails on the plastic (pink) part of the denture on both sides, near your back teeth. Gently and evenly, lift the denture away from your gums to disengage the clasps.

Daily Wear Schedule

It is crucial to give your gum tissues a rest. You should remove your partial denture for at least 8 hours every day, typically while you are sleeping.
If you do not wear your partial denture consistently, your natural teeth can shift. Even a small shift can prevent the partial from seating properly, and it may no longer fit.

Cleaning & Storage (CRITICAL)

Brush Over a Sink of Water: When cleaning your partial, always fill the sink with water or place a towel in it. This provides a cushion in case you accidentally drop it, preventing a costly fracture.
Use Soap, Not Toothpaste: Brush the partial daily with a soft brush and mild dish soap (like Dawn), then rinse thoroughly. Toothpaste is abrasive and will scratch the surface.
Soak When It’s Out: Whenever your partial is not in your mouth, it must be kept moist in water or a denture soaking solution to prevent the acrylic from drying out.
NEVER Use a Paper Towel: Never wrap your partial in a napkin or paper towel. This is the #1 way dentures are accidentally thrown away. Always use its case.
Keep Away from Pets: Dogs are notorious for using dentures as chew toys. Always store your partial in its case, in a safe place out of reach of pets.