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Whether you have worn dentures for
some time or are about to wear them for the first time, you probably
have many questions.
Dentures in one form or another have
been around for many years. The earliest recorded use of dentures
was more than 2000 years ago. Today, dentures are better quality
and more comfortable than ever before.
Q Why bother with dentures?
A 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, sagging facial muscles
can make a person appear older and reduce their ability to eat and speak.
Q What is a denture?
A A denture is an
appliance which is worn to replace lost or missing teeth to enable you
to enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence.
A complete or full denture is one that
replaces all of 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.
Q What are dentures made of?
A 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.
Q Will dentures make me look different?
A Dentures can
be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that little change
in appearance will be noticeable. Modern dentures may even improve
the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face.
Q Will I be able to eat with dentures?
A 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, add
other foods until you return to your normal healthy diet.
Q Will dentures change how I speak?
A Pronouncing certain
words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating difficult
words will help. Over time you will adjust and get used to it,
so don’t worry!
If you find that your dentures occasionally
slip when you laugh, cough or smile, reposition the denture by gently
biting down and swallowing. If this continues consult your dentist.
Q Will my sense of taste be affected?
A This is quite a
common worry, but the fact is that your teeth have nothing to do with
your sense of taste. Your taste buds are mainly on your tongue
and they will still be there so eventually everything will not taste
too different. However, at first food may not taste the same, as
your dentures will interfere with your taste buds while your mouth adjusts
to the feel of the denture. Your ability to sense hot food and
drink may also be affected, so for a while it is a good idea to avoid
very hot food and drinks, as you may burn yourself.
Q How long should I wear my dentures?
A During the first
few days, you may be advised to wear them for most of the time, including
while you are asleep. This will allow you to adjust to your new
dentures and let them settle in. 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 promote oral health. If you
decide to keep them in overnight, it is important that you clean them
thoroughly before you go to bed, just as you would natural teeth.
Q Must I do anything special to care for my mouth?
A Even with full dentures,
you 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 every day to prevent tooth
decay and gum disease that can lead to further teeth being lost.
Q What is the difference between conventional and Immediate Dentures?
A Conventional dentures
are made and inserted after teeth have been removed and the tissues have
healed. Healing may take several months.
Immediate Dentures are inserted immediately
after 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, bone and gums can shrink over time, especially
during the first six months after teeth have been removed. When
gums shrink, Immediate Dentures may require relining or even replacing
to fit properly.
Q What will dentures feel like?
A 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. Should this continue,
consult your dentist.
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 accustomed
to the dentures, these problems should diminish. If any problems
persist, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to consult your
dentist as soon as possible and not wait for your regular check up. Do
not take your dentures out though, leave them in, that way the dentist
will be able to see where it is sore and sort the problem out quicker.
Q How do I take care of my dentures?
A Dentures are very
delicate and may break if dropped. When cleaning dentures it is
recommended that you do so over a folded towel or sink of water. When
you are not wearing your dentures, they should be stored in a container
containing enough water to cover them.
Like natural teeth, dentures must be
brushed daily to remove food debris and plaque. Brushing helps
prevent dentures becoming stained and helps your mouth stay healthy. There
are special denture cleaning brushes available but a soft bristled toothbrush
can also be used. Avoid using hard-bristled brushes, which can
cause damage.
The use of an effervescent denture
cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling
fresher.
Q Can dentures be re-polished?
A Yes they can. After
considerable use, dentures can become slightly dull and rough. However,
if you take them back to your dentist, they can be re-polished and restored
to their original appearance.
Q Will my dentures need to be replaced?
A Over a period of
time, dentures will need to be relined or re-made due to normal wear
or a change in the shape of your mouth. Bone and gum ridges can
recede or shrink causing jaws to align differently. Loose dentures
can cause health problems, including sores and infections not to mention
discomfort. A loose or ill-fitting denture can also make eating
and speaking more difficult. It is important to replace worn or
poorly fitting dentures before they cause problems.
Q How often should I see my dentist?
A 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 every 6 months. Full denture wearers should
consult their dentist as to frequency of visits.
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. |
