I got a partial denture directly from a lab to save money, but it moves when I eat. My dentist has used the lab for years, so I felt comfortable going to them. My new partial denture plate is too short, making it challenging to eat. Also, I can feel the plastic from the partial rubbing on my gums. I returned to the lab twice to correct the denture. They said I must return to my dentist if I needed further adjustments, but I am embarrassed to see my dentist. Could I see another dental lab, or do I really need to return to my dentist? Thank you. Byung-ho T. from LA

Byung-ho,

Thank you for your question.

It is unethical for a dental lab to make a dental restoration without a prescription from your dentist. They should have declined when you asked the lab to make the denture for you. Still, the lab understands the legal requirements and is responsible for its actions.

Why Would a Partial Denture Move When You Eat?

A partial denture can shift if its framework is bent, uneven, or distorted. Dentists follow these steps before ordering a custom partial denture:

• Take impressions of your mouth
• Make a mold of your teeth
• Send the information and instructions to the dental lab

Dental lab techs lack training in taking impressions and cannot make an appliance that fits precisely. They need your dentist’s help.

Instructions and molds for a previous partial denture are inadequate for a new denture. Your teeth may have shifted, or other factors may have affected your teeth, requiring new impressions. Please see a dentist for an exam and impressions for a new partial denture.

An Alternative to a Partial Denture

The most effective alternative to a partial denture is a dental implant. Reasons that a dental implant is a reliable solution include:

• Replaces a missing tooth from the root up
• Often lasts a lifetime, helping you avoid the cost and time involved with replacing an appliance like a partial denture
• Stimulates the bone to prevent shrinkage in areas of missing teeth
• Do not require adjacent teeth for support
• Fuses with your jawbone and will not move around when you eat

You can consider scheduling a consultation with a dental implant restoring dentist or a periodontist to learn about your tooth replacement options.

 

 

Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Brian LeSage, sponsors this post.