Your New Dentures
New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks. They may feel loose while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold them in place. Salivary flow may temporarily increase. Minor irritation or soreness is not unusual, but these problems often diminish over time as your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures. If discomfort persists, your dentist may need to make adjustments.
Eating with dentures takes a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chewing slowly and using both sides of your mouth at the same time will help prevent the dentures from moving out of place. Other types of food can gradually be introduced until you resume your normal diet. A well-made set of dentures can make a world of difference in eating well as you age.
Speaking with your dentures will also require practice. Reading out loud and repeating difficult words in front of a mirror can help. Speaking slowly will also help eliminate muffled speech. If your dentures sometimes slip out of place when you laugh, cough, or smile, contact our office for an adjustment or denture liners.
After you receive your new dentures, your dentist may advise you to wear them to bed for the first night. After the first night, you may be instructed to remove them at bedtime. Generally, it is not advisable to wear dentures around the clock because tissues that are constantly covered with denture material can become irritated.
Denture Adhesives
Although dentures are made to fit securely, your dentist may recommend using a denture adhesive while you become accustomed to wearing your new dentures.
A loose denture, which can make chewing difficult and may change facial features, may require relining. While a denture adhesive can temporarily help with a loose-fitting denture, prolonged use of adhesives is not recommended. If your denture feels loose, contact our office to have it evaluated to determine if a reline or soft liner may be needed.
Like natural teeth, dentures must be properly cared for if they are to last. They are very delicate and may break if dropped even a few inches onto a hard surface. When handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or a sink filled with water. When you’re not wearing your dentures, store them away from curious children and pets. (Dogs love to chew on dentures!)
Our office recommends daily brushing to remove food deposits and plaque and to help prevent artificial teeth from becoming permanently stained. While it is best to use a brush made specifically for cleaning dentures, a toothbrush with soft bristles can also be used. Avoid hard-bristled brushes that can damage dentures, and remember that soaking dentures does not replace thorough daily brushing.
Some denture wearers use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid, both of which are acceptable for cleaning dentures. Avoid other household cleaners, however, as they may be too abrasive. Your dental provider can also recommend a denture cleanser.
To clean your denture, rinse off loose particles. Moisten the brush and apply the cleanser. Gently brush every surface to avoid damage.
Don’t let your custom-made, Bay Area Denture and Surgery Center dentures dry out or they might lose their shape. When you are not wearing them, place your dentures in a denture cleanser-soaking solution or in plain water. The Doctor can recommend the best method. Never soak dentures in hot water, which can cause them to warp. Look for denture cleansers that display the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, a symbol of safety and effectiveness.
If your dentures break, crack, chip, or if any of the teeth become loose, a dental professional has the proper training to reconstruct, adjust, or repair them. Do not attempt to adjust or repair dentures yourself, as this can increase damage and may cause oral health problems. Over-the-counter glues should not be used to repair damaged dentures. Not only do they often contain harmful chemicals, but they are also ineffective for repairing dentures.
Your dentures eventually may need either relining, rebasing, or replacing due to normal wear. Denture relining involves adding new material to the underside of the denture base to conform to your gums. In rebasing, a new base is made using the existing denture as a model and attaching the artificial teeth from the original denture. In some instances, worn artificial teeth are replaced with new ones. The mouth changes naturally with age, and this means that your dentures will need to be remade at varying intervals determined by your dentist. Your jaws may also align differently as bones and gum ridges recede and shrink. Shrinking ridges may result in dentures that do not fit securely. It is important to replace worn or poorly fitting dentures before they cause problems.
Even if you wear full dentures, you still must take good care of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue, and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition also is important for maintaining a healthy mouth.
Dental Appointments
Even after you have lost your teeth, it is important to continue seeing your dentist regularly. Your mouth and oral tissues are still subject to potentially serious diseases and should be examined on a routine basis. During your visit, your dental provider will look for signs of oral disease such as oral cancer, check the fit of your dentures, and examine any mini-implants to determine if o-ring maintenance is needed.
You can wear your new dentures with confidence if you maintain a positive attitude, follow a balanced diet, practice speaking and eating with your dentures, and continue routine dental visits. The American Dental Association recommends regular maintenance of dentures, including a reline every 12 to 18 months, to help extend the life of your dentures.