 If
you're like most people who are learning about dentures,
you probably have many questions. Dentures have been around
for many years. The earliest form of denture was introduced
more than 2,000 years ago. Today, dentures are of better
quality and are more comfortable than ever before.
Replacing missing teeth has substantial benefits for your
health and your appearance. A complete denture, also called a
full denture, replaces all the natural teeth and provides
support for cheeks and lips. Without this support, sagging
facial muscles can make a person appear older. And by replacing
missing teeth, dentures improve a person's ability to speak and
to eat.
Here are answers to a few common questions about dentures.
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. Conventional dentures are made
and inserted after the remaining teeth are removed and the
tissues have healed. Healing may take several months.
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.
What is an overdenture?
An overdenture is one that fits over a small number of
remaining natural teeth that have been prepared by the dentist.
The prepared teeth provide stability and support for the
denture. Your dentist can determine if an overdenture would be
suitable for you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Should I use a denture adhesive?
Dentures are made to fit precisely and usually do not require
use of an adhesive for comfort. In an emergency, denture
adhesives can be used to keep the dentures stable until you see
the dentist, but prolonged use can mask infections and cause
bone loss in the jaw. Likewise, a poorly-fitting denture, which
causes constant irritation over a long period, may contribute to
the development of sores. If your dentures begin to feel loose,
or cause pronounced discomfort, see your dentist immediately.
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.
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.
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.
Will my dentures need to be
replaced?
Over time, dentures will need to be relined, remade or
rebased due to normal wear. To make a rebased denture, the
dentists uses the existing denture teeth and makes a new denture
base. Dentures may need to be replaced 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.
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.
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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