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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.
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. A conventional denture can then be
made once the tissues have healed. Healing may take
at least 6-8 weeks.
What is an overdenture?
A removable denture that fits
over a small number of remaining natural teeth or
implants. The natural teeth must be prepared to
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?
Denture adhesive can provide
additional retention for well-fitting dentures.
Denture adhesives are not the solution for old,
ill-fitting dentures. A poorly fitting denture,
which causes constant irritation over a long period,
may contribute to the development of sores. These
dentures may need a reline or need to be replaced.
If your dentures begin to feel loose, or cause
pronounced discomfort, consult with 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. Also, avoid using bleach, as this may
whiten the pink portion of the denture.
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, rebased, or remade due to normal
wear. To reline or rebase a denture, the dentist
uses the existing denture teeth and refits the
denture base or makes a new denture base. Dentures
may need to be replaced if they become loose and the
teeth show signs of significant wear. Dentures
become loose 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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