After all that...am I really stuck with an acrylic partial denture...for life?

[RustyRebecca]

I can remember being here, earlier in the year, so fearful of having my front tooth out and then having a partial denture fitted. I was worried about it so much. But I did it. With anxiety, with after pain, but I did it.
And here I am, many months down the line. I have an acrylic partial denture for 5 teeth. This is for my front tooth, my canines (removed as a child) and a premolar on the left and one of the right of the same number each side.
The denture has never had to be aligned or altered. It fits really well. In 6 months I have adjusted very well to it (which I didn't think I would). But...I always thought I would be permitted to have a cobalt chrome denture. I hoped, in time, once my mouth had healed (which obviously it has) that I would be fitted up with a less invasive denture, that doesn't cover the palate. Because yes, I can cope with it but it still affects my day to day living, quality of life.
My dentist has said no though. That a chrome denture wouldn't work and would cover more of my palate. And there are no alternatives.
I won't be having implants.
Does anyone know, is this it then? Do I have to tolerate this plastic denture forever?

 

[Latwigg]

@RustyRebecca

Have you talked to a denturist? Most dentists aren’t experts in dentures and a denturist might have different ideas.

 

[Dancerstints]

@RustyRebecca I have only joined this forum about five mins ago and this is the first one I have seen and I am so sorry but also glad to see this isn’t just me like this. I have just had a partial denture fitted for my bottom teeth at the back but not had the fitting done for the follow up and my nhs dentist just sent me a letter saying I have been removed from the list as I missed to many appts in the last two years and that was due to my anxiety issues anyway and my dentist who was incredibly helpful has just left too and I don’t no what I’m now doing to help try get myself back on another dentist who will complete the procedure or even if any will. Could I ask where you found any help with this sort of thing and location ? I am in Southampton but nhs funded and not sure where to look now. Anxiety obviously isn’t helping. I am grateful for you posting your story here though so much.

 

[RustyRebecca]

@Dancerstints Hi there. Welcome to the website. I have been here a long time ;-) I am private, it is too hard to get an NHS dentist where I am (in Devon). And I had to go through a lot of private dentists to find one who could understand my fear/anxiety (and I mean a lot, it was very difficult). My best advice is to do lots of research and find another dentist. Though it will have to be private. But empathetic ones do exist, some even know the impact of trauma. Don't ever give up hope. It has been literally years for me, and I finally have a smile. It is far from perfect but I am not self conscious like I used to be. Love to you xx

 

[letsconnect]

Hi @RustyRebecca, really good to hear that you managed to have the partial denture, and that you have managed to adjust . I know how terrified you were beforehand of not being able to adapt at all.

My dentist has said no though. That a chrome denture wouldn't work and would cover more of my palate. And there are no alternatives.
I won't be having implants.
Does anyone know, is this it then? Do I have to tolerate this plastic denture forever?

Might be best to ask this the "Ask a Dentist" section of the forum? Dentures is one of Gordon's mastermind subjects - for anyone who is interested, you can find an interview with him here:

An interview with Gordon Laurie

What motivates dentists to go into special care dentistry (including dental phobia)? Gordon Laurie shares his experiences of going beyond drill and fill.

www.dentalfearcentral.org

 

[RustyRebecca]

@letsconnect Thank you