When Your New Partial Denture Clasp Doesn't Want to Grasp

Posted on: 14 January 2020

Whether it's a full set or only a partial set, new dentures are supposed to fit perfectly. As the years go by, some maintenance will be needed so this good fit can continue, and with full dentures, this usually involves adding a wafer-thin layer of resin to the base plate. With partial dentures, it's often the clasps (which secure the dentures in place) that will need to be adjusted or replaced, which is hardly a mammoth task, and it is completely normal when it comes to denture repairs. When partial dentures might feel as though they don't fit properly when you first receive them, it might be that the clasps need attention.

Is It Just Adjusting to the Dentures or Something Else?

You might not even be totally aware that there's an issue with your denture clasps until some time has gone by. You need to get used to the feel of the dentures, such as how it feels when you eat and speak with them. This can take a small amount of adjustment time, but if partial dentures continue to feel loose in your mouth, then you should have the clasps examined.

Is the Composition of the Clasp Correct?

The type of clasp will be considered, along with its composition. This can mean that a resin clasp was used when it turns out that a cobalt-chromium alloy clasp would have been more suitable for maximum strength. As mentioned, it's not a major issue to replace a clasp, so this can easily be arranged. 

What About When Adjourning Teeth Need to Be Strengthened?

The clasps need to connect to your adjourning teeth (the remaining natural teeth either side of the missing tooth or teeth that the partial denture is replacing). The state of these teeth can play a role in the effectiveness of the clasps. If the tooth has decayed, the tooth will need to be reinforced, with an appropriate angle constructed. This involves adding a thin layer of composite dental resin to the tooth, which is precisely what happens when your teeth are repaired with dental bonding. Once the composite resin has dried (it's cured with blue light to speed up this process), the clasp should then securely fit. 

If something feels a little bit off when you receive your new partial dentures, you might just need a small amount of time to get used to them. But if this doesn't seem to be happening, then you should have your clasps inspected.

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