Reasons for Dentures

• Loss of natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay, or injury.

• Benefit your appearance and restore your smile.

• Fill out the appearance of your face and profile, as without teeth facial muscles can sag making you look older.

• Make it easier to eat.

• Make it easier to speak. 

 

Types of Dentures Available

• Complete: This is used when all the teeth are missing. This full removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take 8 to 12 weeks.   

• Partial: This is a removable denture that is used when some natural teeth remain. 

• Immediate: Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, you don’t have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore, a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.

• Implant Dentures: Dental implants can be used to support cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants.

 

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 go away. Follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted so the fit can be checked and adjusted. Any soreness or irritation needs to be checked. 

 

Caring for Your Dentures

Like your teeth, your dentures should be brushed daily to remove food particles and plaque. Brushing also can help keep the teeth from staining. Rinse your dentures before brushing to remove any loose food or debris. 

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser to gently brush all the surfaces of the dentures so they don't get scratched.

• When brushing, clean your mouth thoroughly, including your gums, cheeks, the roof of your mouth and tongue to remove any plaque. This can help reduce the risk of oral irritation and bad breath. 

• When you’re not wearing your dentures, put them in a safe place covered in water to keep them from warping.

• Occasionally, denture wearers may use adhesives. Adhesives come in many forms: creams, powders, pads/wafers, strips, or liquids. If you use one of these products, read the instructions, and use them exactly as directed. Look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Products with the ADA Seal have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

 

Signs that your Dentures Need Adjustment or Repair

• Broken Teeth

• Chips or Cracks

• Difficulty Chewing 

• Discomfort 

• Facial Shape Changes 

• Fit Changes 

• Pressure Sores 

• Gum Irritation 

• Oral Sores 

• Speech Pattern Changes 

• Stains or Persistent Odors

 

 

Call us today for an appointment to discuss how we can help you to get your natural smile back and get back to eating and living like you once did.  If you already have dentures but are not satisfied with the fit or are experiencing any of the problems listed call us for an appointment.  We will evaluate the problem and provide you with recommendations on how we can help.