Congratulations on your new partial denture! You’ve taken a valuable step toward restoring your smile, function, and confidence. To ensure your partial remains comfortable and lasts for years, please follow the instructions below for proper care and maintenance.
Sore Spots Are Normal
Mild sore spots are common, especially during the first 24–72 hours of wearing a new partial. These occur when the denture places excess pressure on one area of your mouth.
Here’s what to do:
Call our office for a quick adjustment appointment—be sure to wear your partial on the day of your visit so we can pinpoint any problem areas.
Do not attempt to adjust or repair your partial yourself. This can damage the denture and affect its fit.
To relieve sore tissue, rinse your mouth several times daily with warm salt water (½ tsp of salt in a glass of warm water).
Chewing & Bite Adjustment
Your bite may feel slightly off for a few days. That’s expected! Your mouth needs time to adapt to the new alignment.
As your bite settles, we can make minor adjustments to help balance your bite.
Stick to soft foods at first, and chew slowly and evenly on both sides to stabilize your denture.
How to Clean Your Partial Denture
Cleaning your partial daily is critical for maintaining oral health and preventing plaque buildup or staining.
Daily care tips:
Always clean over a sink filled with water or a soft towel to avoid breakage.
Rinse your partial after meals with warm (not hot) water to remove food debris.
Brush your partial daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush or denture brush using non-abrasive denture paste—never use regular toothpaste, which can scratch the acrylic.
Soak your partial in water with a denture-cleaning tablet 1–2 times per week to reduce stains and bacteria.
After soaking, rinse thoroughly under warm water before placing it back in your mouth.
🧳 Travel & Storage Tips
Always store your partial in a denture case when not in use—never wrap it in a napkin or tissue (it can easily be thrown away!).
Keep out of reach of pets, especially dogs. Many patients report their dog mistook their denture for a chew toy.
Never expose your partial to boiling water or harsh chemicals, which can warp or damage it.
Caring for Your Gums & Natural Teeth
Your gums and any remaining natural teeth need daily attention to prevent irritation and decay.
Best practices:
Remove your partial at night (unless instructed otherwise) to allow your gums to breathe and reduce the risk of infection or inflammation.
Always keep your denture in water or denture solution when not in use to prevent drying or warping.
Use a soft toothbrush or damp washcloth to clean your gums, tongue, and cheeks daily.
Brush your natural teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, and floss as directed.
Getting Used to Your Partial
A new partial denture may feel awkward at first. That’s completely normal! Your cheeks, tongue, and muscles will adjust gradually—usually within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Following these guidelines will help you get the most comfort, function, and longevity from your partial denture.
When to Contact Us
If you experience:
Persistent sore spots
Difficulty chewing after a few days
A loose or broken partial
Questions about cleaning or care
Please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to make sure your new partial denture works perfectly for your smile and lifestyle.