I did it! Extractions and Partial Denture inserted (here is the experience) but...

[RustyRebecca]

After heaps of anxiety, trepidation and no sleep, I went to my appointment yesterday and I managed it! I can hardly believe what I achieved. The dentist extracted my side tooth (lots of tugging, pulling, pushing, pressing they don't always prepare you for that) and then the front tooth, less tugging and pulling but still took a bit. Plugging the areas. And then the denture was inserted. Showed me how to put it in and take out (though this caused more bleeding) but in the end, after only 45 mins, I was out. Paid the money, drove home and felt the pain begin. I had to deal with pain from the extraction sites and trying to get used to what I can only call a dome of plastic in my mouth. It is an acrylic partial denture with 5 teeth. I am keeping on top of the pain. Today did a salt wash and brushed my other teeth and replaced the denture. Hate the feeling of my front tooth not being there when the denture is out. A further incentive to wear it. It is already not quite fitting due to the gum maybe swelling but I can go back on Tuesday. Eating is hard. Adjustment is hard. It is only the beginning of day two. Feel exhausted, emotional and obviously not liking how the denture feels. Who can possibly feel comfortable with plastic in their mouth, that is rigid?
My question is; when I asked for a flexible denture from this dentist (who asks their technician to make them) I was refused. I was told they break easily. But that is what I wanted because it is more comfortable when you have a small mouth, easier to get used to, etc. Anything is better than rigid plastic in my mind.
What right does a dentist or technician have to tell you what you must have in your mouth? They dont know what it is like to have to put up with a rigid piece of plastic in their mouth and give you ridiculous platitudes like...you will get used to it! How do they know?! From other patients maybe, but they have no clue, they haven't experienced it. It makes me mad.
Is there anything I can do to get a flexible denture like I wanted? Does anyone know?

 

[Gordon]

Yes, wait 6 months till the sockets have fully healed

It's not possible to reline flexible dentures, adjustments to them are also very difficult. Making one as an immediate denture is a very poor choice because of this.

After the 6 months is up you can get a better denture, which should last you for years. There's a pretty good article on here detailing the different types of denture materials which might be worth a read:

Dentures FAQ

Top tips for new denture wearers! Find out about different types of dentures and how to deal with "teething problems".

www.dentalfearcentral.org

Well done on getting through the treatment.

 

[RustyRebecca]

Yes, wait 6 months till the sockets have fully healed

It's not possible to reline flexible dentures, adjustments to them are also very difficult. Making one as an immediate denture is a very poor choice because of this.

After the 6 months is up you can get a better denture, which should last you for years. There's a pretty good article on here detailing the different types of denture materials which might be worth a read:

Dentures FAQ

Top tips for new denture wearers! Find out about different types of dentures and how to deal with "teething problems".

www.dentalfearcentral.org

Well done on getting through the treatment.

Thank you Gordon.

The technician for my practice refuses to make a flexible denture and I have found him not to be the only one to refuse. So I don't know if I will be able to get a less invasive denture in time (with that practice). I don't know if I can somehow can a prescription as time passes from the dentist to another technician? But she seems to be loyal to the technician attached to her dentist.

I don't know if the acrylic denture I do have in my mouth could be made smaller. I am seeing a dentist who specialises in making dentures next week. He will have a look. But mine is actually small. It is just so rigid and doesn't feel small in my mouth.

With technology being so good with mobiles and the like, you'd think someone could have invented dentures less invasive! I don't get that. Apart from obviously implants to replace missing teeth.

It says on the article you co wrote: 'However, there are no dentures that you cannot get used to'. I'd challenge that little beauty. There are many people who don't get used to dentures (granted normally full ones) and its not for the want of trying. This is an alien thing in your mouth that is not meant to be there. And all dentists say you will get used to it and don't have one themselves, how do they know? They base it on their patients. And not the ones that didn't get used to them!

I personally am finding it to be a harrowing experience. I have followed all instructions. I haven't taken it out during the day and I am totally miserable, unable to do much at all.

 

[Gordon]

Flexible dentures can only be made by a small number of labs, they have to pay for some fairly expensive equipment to make them which is probably far too much for a one man band lab.

If it were me, I would look at a cobalt chrome denture rather than flexible, they can be made much thinner and the metal's ability to transmit hot/cold makes them much more natural feeling.

I didn't write that bit In fact I'll take a look and edit that bit out.

I have seen patients wearing dentures which were utterly dreadful, with amazing success, which I could honestly not imagine anyone being able to wear... one lady was wearing a denture which was broken into 3 pieces! I've also seen patients with technically perfect dentures which they just couldn't manage. It's not an exact science.

 

[Jackieallen]

@RustyRebecca

Well done u must be proud

I have a partial for 2 teeth now and it takes a while to get used to . I have had it over 3 years but only wear when i leave my home . Mine is not fexible. The great part was i had another tooth added to the partial denture last year after a extraction . I was relieved that this could be done and so quickly too .

Good luck

 

[RustyRebecca]

@Jackieallen Thank you Yes I am still trying to get used to it. But I have heard a lot of people who only wear their denture when they leave home and take it out at home. I can understand that. For me though, I hate not having a front tooth, so I am persisting! I hope to get a better denture one day. Or a smaller one.

 

[Jackieallen]

@RustyRebecca

Juat a thought my dentist said the plate can be halved to help the overall feeling . This may be a option for you

 

[RustyRebecca]

@Jackieallen well apparently the technician said that was the smallest he could do it but I am seeing another technician soon. And hopefully in a few months, I can have a different denture. Maybe. Teeth, who needs them? ;-) Oh yes, we do, unfortunately!

 

[Jackieallen]

@RustyRebecca

Oh i agree x