Dentures

Why bother with dentures ?

Replacing lost or missing teeth has substantial benefits for your health and appearance. A complete or full denture replaces the natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips. Without this support, aging facial muscles can make a person appear older and reduce their ability to eat and speak properly.

What is a denture ?

A denture is an appliance which is worn to replace lost or missing teeth to enable you to enjoy a healthy diet and to smile with confidence.

A complete or full denture is one which replaces all the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaws.

A partial denture fills in the spaces created by lost or missing teeth and is attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments.

What are dentures made of ?

The base of a denture is called a plate and can be made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. The teeth are normally made of acrylic and can be made to match your natural teeth. This is especially important in the case of partial dentures.

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. Modern dentures may even help to improve the look of your smile and help to fill out the appearance of your face.

Will I be able to eat with 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 denture from moving. As you become more used to your denture you can add other foods until you return to your normal healthy diet.

Will dentures change how I speak ?

Pronouncing certain words may require some practice. Reading aloud and repeating difficult words will help.

If you find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile, repositioning the denture by gently biting down and swallowing. You should see your dentist if this problem continues.

How long should I wear my dentures ?

During the first few days, you may be advised to wear them for most of the time, including while you are asleep. After an initial period of adjustment your dentist may advise that you remove them before going to bed. This allows your gums to rest and helps to promote oral health.

Should I use a denture fixative ?

Dentures are custom made to fit your mouth and a denture fixative should not be necessary. However over a period of time, dentures may become loose and ill fitting and a fixative may be used for a short time prior to having them replaced. A poorly fitting denture may cause irritation and possible sores, this can often happen if you have worn immediate dentures for some time.

If you have had teeth added to your denture to replace recently extracted teeth, fixative can help as a short term measure until your gums heal and a well fitting new denture can be made.

Must I do anything special to care for my mouth ?

Even with full dentures you will still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning and evening, brush your gums, tongue and palate ( roof of your mouth) with a soft-bristled brush. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth.

It is vitally important that partial denture wearers brush their teeth thoroughly at least twice every day to prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to further teeth being lost.

What is the difference between conventional and immediate dentures ?

Conventional dentures are made and inserted after teeth have been removed and the tissues have healed. This healing may take several months.

Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the teeth have been removed. To do this the dentist takes measurements and impressions of your mouth 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 first six months after the teeth have been removed. When the gums shrink immediate dentures may require relining or even replacing to fit properly.

What will the dentures feel like ?

New dentures may feel awkward or even uncomfortable 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 during this period. You may also find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes used to the dentures these problems should get less.

How do I take care of my dentures ?

Dentures are very delicate and may break if they are dropped. When cleaning dentures it is recommended that you do so over a towel or sink of water. When you are not wearing them you should store them in a container containing enough water to cover them.

Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed each day to remove food debris and plaque. Brushing helps to prevent dentures becoming stained and helps your mouth stay healthy. There are special denture brushes available but a soft bristled toothbrush can also be used. You should avoid using hard bristled toothbrushes which can damage your denture.

The use of an effervescent denture cleaner will help to remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher.

Will my dentures need to be replaced ?

Over a period of time dentures will need to be relined or remade due to normal wear or a change in the shape of your mouth. Bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink causing jaws to realign differently. Loose dentures can cause health problems, including sores and infections and discomfort. A loose denture can make speaking and eating properly difficult and it is important to replace worn dentures before they lead to problems.

How often should I see my dentist ?

Regular dental check-ups and having your teeth professionally cleaned are vital for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, most dentists recommend that under normal circumstances this should be done usually twice a year . Full dentures wearers should consult their dentist as to the frequency of check-ups.

With regular professional care and a positive attitude then you can become one of the millions of people who wear their dentures with a smile !