Valplast partial denture

Valplast partial denture, which is a nylon thermoplastic material that has several advantages over the other two types of partial dentures. Valplast partial dentures have no metal clasps and are very light weight.  The material is translucent, so the patient’s own gums show through, giving a very natural appearance.  Valplast partial dentures can be used to replace many or few missing teeth, and can even be modified to replace a missing tooth on only one side of the mouth, greatly enhancing its comfort.  Valplast can be used for full dentures on people who have irregularities in their jaw bone that would preclude the use of the standard rigid acrylic material.  Valplast is an option for cosmetic improvement of teeth that appear elongated due to recession of the gums, and for people who are allergic to the acrylic found in other types of partial dentures.  Another great advantage of Valplast is its resistance to breakage, as it is surprisingly strong relative its size and weight. Valplast partial dentures are an excellent option for the replacement of missing teeth.  The cost of treatment is usually much less than either a permanent bridge or dental implants and can be completed in just two or three short visits.  Durable, lightweight, and esthetic, Valplast should be considered for anyone who needs replacement of missing teeth.

Common Denture Problems

Denture slipping and moving

This is due to shrinkage of the jawbone and surrounding gum tissue. The gums and bone do not support the denture in speaking or chewing. When the denture is not in its proper position or does not stay in proper position, it moves causing cheek and tongue to struggle to form words and control the denture. This generally necessitates a reline, rebase, or remake of the denture

Difficulty chewing certain foods

Some foods may never be easy to chew with dentures, but lack of adequate chewing could be related to the alignment of your upper and lower denture(s), or your denture with natural teeth. This affects the “balance” of the denture on the tissues and muscles of the mouth. In combination with shrinkage of tissue, poor alignment creates improper denture function.

Lack of suction or adhesion

The bone and mouth tissue shrink causing the original fit and contact of denture to be lost. Lack of suction or adhesion can also be caused by dry mouth (Xerostomia). This is most often caused by certain medications. Without proper saliva, denture fit is not ideal due to the lack of “seal” that moisture provides between denture base and tissue. Treatments include: reline, rebase or replacement, artificial saliva, and /or the supervised use of denture adhesives

Wrinkles above, around lips or at corners of mouth

The denture has moved back in the mouth and no longer supports the lips. This may be due to bone loss and / or loss of skin elasticity (stretchiness) and moisture loss. Treatment generally involves reline, rebase or replacement.

Sore spots in the mouth

Pressure and / or rubbing is occurring in one specific area, usually a result of chewing but may also be due to clenching of teeth or bruxism (grinding the teeth). Other causes may be hard foods (like small seeds) getting under the denture. Sometimes the denture teeth need adjustment. Treatments include: relief of pressure area and/or balancing of the occlusion (bite) to Improve the seal.

Soreness at corners of mouth

Loss of vertical support for the denture (bone loss) can cause the mouth to “over-close.” This can change the way the lips seal together and cause saliva to pool at the corners of the mouth. The excess moisture in this area may cause the skin to become irritated and may increase the risk of a candida (fungus) infection. The soreness may also be the result of a vitamin deficiency. The vertical dimension generally needs to be increase with reline, rebase or replacement. This may involve the repositioning of teeth. Any fungal problem or vitamin deficiency needs to be treated.

Dentures can break, so always fill the sink with water. Clean your dentures over the sink, just in case they slip out of your hands by accident.

Rinse your dentures thoroughly to remove loose food particles. Use cool or warm water. But never use hot water – it can warp your dentures.

Apply a denture cleaning paste to a moistened denture brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use ordinary toothpaste, bleach, vinegar, or soap unless directed to do so by your dentist.

Brush all surfaces thoroughly. Avoid using brushes with stiff bristles, as they can damage the denture material.

Rinse dentures well under the faucet to remove all traces of cleaning paste.

While you sleep at night, soak your dentures in a commercially available cleanser or one recommended by your dental professional.

Brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled regular toothbrush to remove plaque and stimulate circulation.

To give your mouth an extra, fresh clean feeling, rinse with a mouthwash several times a day and rinse your dentures after eating.