Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth that can be removed and put back into your mouth as you please. Depending on each individual patient case, they may receive full or partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are removed from the mouth and replaced with a full set of dentures. There are two types of full dentures.
• Conventional Full Dentures – This is when all the teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal before the dentures are placed. It could take a few months for the gum tissue to heal completely, and during this time you will be without teeth.
• Immediate Full Dentures – Prior to having your teeth removed, your dentist takes measurements and has dentures fitted for your mouth. After removing the teeth, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you do not have to spend any time without teeth. You will, however, need to have a follow up visit to refit your dentures because the jaw bone will slightly change shape as your mouth heels. The dentures will need to be tightened after the jaw bone has healed.
Partial dentures are another option when not all of your teeth need to be removed. This is similar to a bridge, but it is not a permanent fixture in your mouth.
Your dentures may take some time to get used to. The flesh colored base of the dentures is placed over your gums. Some people say that it feels bulky or that they don’t have enough room for their tongue. Other times the dentures might feel loose. These feelings will affect the way you eat and talk for a little while. Over time, your mouth becomes trained to eat and speak with your dentures and they begin to feel more and more like your natural teeth. They may never feel perfectly comfortable, but it is much better than the alternative of not having teeth.
Even though dentures are not real teeth, you should care for them like they are. You should brush them to remove plaque and food particles before removing your dentures. After they have been removed you should place them directly into room temperature water or a denture cleaning solution. Never use hot water because it could warp the dentures. Your dentures are delicate, so make sure you are careful when handling them so you don’t drop them. Also, never try to adjust your dentures yourself. You could ruin them, so you should always seek assistance from your dentist if they feel uncomfortable or loose.
Dentures FAQ
- What’s the difference between replacement and immediate dentures?
Immediate dentures are for patients whose teeth may have become loose or painful and are past the point where they can be saved due to periodontal disease. Removing your teeth and replacing them with a denture may be the best way to avoid infection and restore health to your mouth. An immediate denture is fabricated in advance and placed in your mouth the same day as extractions. Once your mouth has healed the patients who already have an existing full or partial denture that needs to be replaced. - What is a partial denture?
Partial dentures are removable dental appliances for patients who need to replace just a few missing teeth. (Full dentures replace all of your teeth, either upper, lower or both.) Arches are made consisting of replacement teeth and are attached with clasps to the remaining natural teeth to support aid retention. Partial dentures can be used on the upper or lower arches. - How long will dentures last?
With normal wear and care most dentures should last for 7 years. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends replacement after that time due to the wearing down of the acrylic and tooth materials. Plus, the bone and tissue in your mouth change as you age, so your denture won’t fit your mouth as well as it should. When a denture is not titling properly, health problems often result. - How quickly will I adjust to dentures?
Most people adjust to their new dentures in about a week. With a new denture, you may initially notice some minor difference in speech, but your tongue, lips and cheeks will quickly and naturally adapt to the new shape of your mouth. - How will dentures affect my appearance?
A new, property fitted denture will help you look better by providing the support your lips need, and by giving your face and smile a more natural appearance Having good-looking teeth also gives you more confidence and freedom to smile and live life to the fullest. A tell-tale sign that it’s time to replace your dentures- when you notice sagging facial muscles, excessive wrinkling and protruding lower jaw. - How will dentures affect my eating?
Property fitted dentures enhance your chewing ability, helping your body properly digest foods and obtain the nutrition it needs. You can enjoy the foods you love. - How will dentures affect my speech?
The ability to speak clearly depends on subtle interactions involving your tongue, teeth, lips, cheeks and the root of your mouth. A denture that’s property titled allows all five components to work together naturally. With a new denture, you may initially notice some minor differences in speech. Most patients find they adapt and speech becomes natural very quickly. Ill-fitting dentures may slip which can cause clicking and whistling sounds and/or slightly slurred speech. Your dentist may be able to adjust the fit by repairing or repairing tie denture. - Should I remove my dentures at night?
Your dentist will provide instructions about how long dentures should be kept in place. If you are an immediate denture patient, you may be advised to wear them most of the time, including while you sleep to help promote healing. After your initial adjustment period, you may be instructed to remove thedentures before going to bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and promotes oral health. According to the American Dental Association, as a general rule, it is not a good idea for tissues to be constantly covered by denture material. - Should I use adhesives?
Some dentists suggest a light coating of adhesive, especially for lower dentures to improve suction. Excessive use of adhesive, however, probably means your denture no longer fits properly and either needs adjusting or replacing. Talk with your dentist to find out what’s best for you and your dentures. - Is it natural to have sore spots on my gums?
No. Some sore spots are an indication that your denture does not fit property and is rubbing on your tissue. Your dentist needs to assess what is causing the irritation. - Can I use store-bought liners?
Never use store-bought liners. They can seriously damage both your dentures and your mouth. - Can I repair my denture or re-glue teeth that fall out?
Never attempt to repair a denture yourself. Most often a denture beaks or a tooth falls out because the denture no longer fits property. Visit your dentist immediately, so they can determine the cause for the break. In addition, over-the-counter glues contain solvents that can cause denture acrylic to disintegrate and can also be toxic. - Do l need any special care for my mouth if I wear full dentures?
Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning, brush your gums, tongue and palate with a standard soft-bristled toothbrush before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. - Do I need to visit a dentist regularly if I don’t have any teeth?
We recommend annual visits to check the fit of your dentures and overall health of your mouth. Ill-fitting dentures can cause a variety of problems such as irritation and rubbing, speech and digestion problems. We all need to check for signs of oral cancer and other diseases and examine your gum ridges, tongue and jaw joints. - Will people know I wear dentures?
Our dentures are custom-crafted by hand to ensure a natural, life-like appearance. The acrylic has fibers throughout, so it looks like real gum tissue. Plus, we provide our patients the choice of teeth in different shapes and sizes with shading and blending that mimics natural tooth enamel. We also work hard to provide you with the best possible fit to avoid slipping, clicking and slurred speech. The only thing people will notice is your beautiful, natural looking smile.
