Dentures: Select the
question below to link to the answer.
What's the difference
between conventional dentures and immediate dentures?
Complete dentures are called
"conventional" or "immediate" according to
when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth.
Immediate dentures are inserted immediately
after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible,
the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the
patient's jaws during a preliminary visit.
An advantage of immediate dentures is that the
wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing
period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially
during the period of healing in the first six months after the
removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may
require rebasing or relining to fit properly. A conventional
denture can then be made once the tissues have healed. Healing
may take at least 6-8 weeks.
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What is an
overdenture?
A removable denture that fits over a small
number of remaining natural teeth or implants. The natural teeth
must be prepared to provide stability and support for the
denture. Your dentist can determine if an overdenture would be
suitable for you.
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What will dentures feel like?
New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks
until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose
while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in
place.
It is not unusual to experience minor
irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow
temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the
dentures, these problems should diminish. One or more follow-up
appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a
denture is inserted. If any problem persists, particularly
irritation or soreness, be sure to consult your dentist.
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Will dentures make me look different?
Dentures can be made to closely resemble your
natural teeth so that little change in appearance will be
noticeable. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile and
help fill out the appearance of your face and profile.
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Will I be able to eat
with my dentures?
Eating will take a little practice. Start with
soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides
of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from
tipping. As you become accustomed to chewing, add other foods
until you return to your normal diet.
Continue to chew food using both sides of the
mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and
sharp-edged bones or shells.
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Will dentures change how I
speak?
Pronouncing certain words may require
practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will
help. If your dentures "click" while you're talking,
speak more slowly.
You may find that your dentures occasionally
slip when you laugh, cough or smile. Reposition the dentures by
gently biting down and swallowing. If a speaking problem
persists, consult your dentist.
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How long should I wear my
dentures?
Your dentist will provide instructions about
how long dentures should be kept in place. During the first few
days, you may be advised to wear them most of the time,
including while you sleep. After the initial adjustment period,
you may be instructed to remove the dentures before going to
bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and promotes oral health.
Generally, it is not desirable that the tissues be constantly
covered by denture material.
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Should I use a denture
adhesive?
Denture adhesive can provide additional
retention for well-fitting dentures. Denture adhesives are not
the solution for old, ill-fitting dentures. A poorly fitting
denture, which causes constant irritation over a long period,
may contribute to the development of sores. These dentures may
need a reline or need to be replaced. If your dentures begin to
feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, consult with your
dentist immediately.
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How do I take care of my
dentures?
Dentures are very delicate and may break if
dropped even a few inches. Stand over a folded towel or a basin
of water when handling dentures. When you are not wearing them,
store your dentures away from children and pets.
Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed
daily to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing helps prevent
dentures from becoming permanently stained and helps your mouth
stay healthy. It's best to use a brush designed for cleaning
dentures. A toothbrush with soft bristles can also be used.
Avoid using hard-bristled brushes that can damage dentures.
Some denture wearers use hand soap or mild
dishwashing liquid, which are both acceptable for cleaning
dentures. Avoid using other powdered household cleansers, which
may be too abrasive. Also, avoid using bleach, as this may
whiten the pink portion of the denture.
Your dentist can recommend a denture cleanser.
Look for denture cleansers with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Products
with the ADA Seal have been evaluated for safety and
effectiveness.
The first step in cleaning dentures is to
rinse away loose food particles thoroughly. Moisten the brush
and apply denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing
gently to avoid damage.
Dentures may lose their shape if they are
allowed to dry out. When they are not worn, dentures should be
placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. Your
dentist can recommend the best method. Never place dentures in
hot water, which could cause them to warp.
Ultrasonic cleaners are also used to care for
dentures. However, using an ultrasonic cleaner does not replace
a thorough daily brushing.
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Can I make minor
adjustments or repairs to my dentures?
You can seriously damage your dentures and
harm your health by trying to adjust or repair your dentures. A
denture that is not made to fit properly can cause irritation
and sores.
See your dentist if your dentures break,
crack, chip, or if one of the teeth becomes loose. A dentist can
often make the necessary adjustments or repairs on the same day.
A person who lacks the proper training will not be able to
reconstruct the denture. This can cause greater damage to the
denture and may cause problems in your mouth. Glue sold
over-the-counter often contains harmful chemicals and should not
be used on dentures.
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Will my dentures need to
be replaced?
Over time, dentures will need to be relined,
rebased, or remade due to normal wear. To reline or rebase a
denture, the dentist uses the existing denture teeth and refits
the denture base or makes a new denture base. Dentures may need
to be replaced if they become loose and the teeth show signs of
significant wear. Dentures become loose because a mouth
naturally changes with age. Bone and gum ridges can recede or
shrink, causing jaws to align differently. Shrinking ridges can
cause dentures to fit less securely. Loose dentures can cause
health problems, including sores and infections. A loose denture
also makes chewing more difficult and may change your facial
features. It's important to replace worn or poorly-fitting
dentures before they cause problems.
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Must I do anything
special to care for my mouth?
Even with full dentures, you still need to
take good care of your mouth. Every morning, brush your gums,
tongue and palate with a soft-bristled brush before you put in
your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in
the mouth. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is
also important for maintaining a healthy mouth.
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How often should I
schedule dental appointments?
Your dentist will advise you about how often
to visit. Regular dental check-ups are important. The dentist
will examine your mouth to see if your dentures continue to fit
properly. The dentist also examines your mouth for signs of oral
diseases including cancer
With regular professional care, a positive
attitude and persistence, you can become one of the millions of
people who wear their dentures with a smile.
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See also: Partial
Dentures/Removable Dentures
Mature
Adults
