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Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. That’s because dentures make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teeth things that people often take for granted.
When you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile.
Types of dentures
Conventional – This full removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take several months.
Immediate – This removable denture is inserted on the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw during a preliminary visit. You don’t have to be without teeth during the healing period, but may need to have the denture relined or remade after your jaw has healed.
Overdenture – Sometimes some of your teeth can be saved to preserve your jawbone and provide stability and support for the denture. An overdenture fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth after they have been prepared by your dentist. Implants can serve the same function, too.
Learning to wear new dentures successfully takes practice. Full lower dentures will nearly always feel loose to begin with. Here is some denture aftercare advice and our tips to make things easier.
Your initial adjustment period
Eating with your new dentures
Talking with new dentures
If you are missing teeth you should wear a denture. Complete dentures for those people who are edentulous (i.e.. Have no natural teeth remaining), or a partial denture for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A partial denture is important to prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting, which will occur if the spaces are not filled in. Dentures improve chewing and speech, as well as provide facial support which will dramatically improve your appearance and keep you smiling with confidence.
Denture care will be explained to you at your last visit by our clinical dental technician. Dentures should be cleaned, if possible, after each meal. The best way is to remove them and rinse them. If one is able to, brushing the dentures is advised, as well as rinsing the mouth to clean it of any debris. If some natural teeth do remain, brushing them is always suggested. Soak your dentures at night after brushing them, if you wish you can use a denture cleaner like Strident but only for 15 mins. Do not allow them to dry out because they may warp. It is also much healthier to keep your dentures out overnight to avoid excessive pressure on the soft tissue and bone. Always remember to brush your tongue and lightly brush the gums with a soft toothbrush. Special denture brushes should be used on the dentures. You should not use regular toothpaste on dentures, it is too abrasive. We stock a wide range of products at the clinic and are always available to help you if you have any concerns.
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. Your upper denture covers your palate so be careful with hot foods and liquids.
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 Clinical dental technician.
You will have to be screened for suitability if you wish to proceed with Implant Retained Dentures. Implant retained dentures are more stable than most types of dentures. Implants are a proven restorative option with an excellent success rate.
Many patients who have chose implant supported teeth report that they are happy and comfortable for the first time since the loss of their natural teeth.
You still care for your dentures in basically the same way taking them out to clean them and at night, the dentures clip in on the implants to hold them down. The lower denture is more stable and leads to a lot less sores and food getting under it.
If you are looking for an affordable dentist to meet your dental care needs, DentiCare has you covered!
A team of dentists working to ensure you receive the best treatment.