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. |
