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Immediate dentures are for patients whose teeth may have become loose or painful and are past the point where they can be saved due to periodontle disease. Removing your teeth and replacing them with a denture may be the best way to avoid infection and restore health to your mouth. An immediate denture is fabricated in advance and placed in your mouth the same day as extractions. Once your mouth has healed the immediate denture is relined and adjusted to fit your mouth. Replacement dentures are new dentures for patients who already have an existing full or partial denture that needs to be replaced.
What is a partial denture?
Partial dentures are removable dental appliances for patients who need to replace just a few missing teeth. (Full dentures replace all of your teeth, either upper, lower, or both.) Arches are made consisting of replacement teeth and are attached with clasps to the remaining natural teeth for support and retention. Partial dentures can be used on the upper or lower arches.
How long will dentures last?
With normal wear and care most dentures should last 5-7 years. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends replacement after that time due to the wearing down of the acrylic and tooth materials. Plus, the bone and tissue in your mouth change as you age, so your denture won't fit your mouth as well as it should. When a denture is not fitting properly, health problems often result.
How quickly will I adjust to dentures?
Most people adjust to their new dentures in about a week. With a new denture, you may initially notice a minor difference in speech, but your tongue, lips, and cheeks will quickly and naturally adapt to the new shape of your mouth.
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How will dentures affect my appearance?
A new, properly fitted denture will help you look better by providing the support your lips need, and by giving your face and smile a more natural appearance. Having good-looking teeth also gives you the confidence and freedom to smile and live life to the fullest. A tell-tale sign that it's time to replace your dentures- when you notice sagging facial muscles, excessive wrinkling, and protruding lower jaw.
How will dentures affect my eating?
Properly fitted dentures enhance your chewing ability, helping your body properly digest food and obtain the nutrition it needs. You can enjoy the foods you love.
How will dentures affect my speech?
The ability to speak clearly depends on subtle interactions involving your tongue, teeth, lips, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. A denture that's properly fitted allows all five components to work together naturally. With a new denture, you may initially notice some minor differences in speech. Most patients find they adapt and speech becomes natural very quickly. Ill-fitting dentures may slip which can cause clicking and whistling sounds and/or slightly slurred speech. Your dentist may be able to adjust the fit by relining or reparing the denture.
Should I remove my dentures at night?
Your dentist will provide instructions about how long dentures should be kept in place. If you are an immediate denture patient, you may be advised to wear them most of the time, including while you sleep to help promote healing. 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. According to the American Dental Association, as a general rule, it is not a good idea for tissues to be constantly covered by denture material.
Should I use adhesives?
Some dentists suggest a light coating of adhesive, especially for lower dentures to improve suction. Excessive use of adhesive, however, probably means your denture no longer fits properly and either needs adjusting or replacing. Talk with your dentist to find out what's best for you and your dentures.
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Is it natural to have sore spots on my gums?
No. Sore spots are an idication that your denture does not fir properly and is rubbing on your tissue. Your dentist needs to assess what is causing the irritation.
Can I use store-bought liners?
Never use store-bought liners. They can seriously damage both your dentures and your mouth.
Can I repair my denture or re-glue teeth that fall out?
Never attempt to repair a denture yourself. Most often a denture breaks, or a tooth falls out because the denture no longer fits properly. Visit your dentist immediately so they can determine the cause of the break. In addition, over-the-counter glues contain solvents that can cause denture acrylic to disintegrate and can also be toxic.
Do I need any special care for my mouth if I wear full dentures?
Even with full denture, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning, brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a standard soft-bristled toothbrush before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth.
Do I need to visit a dentist regularly if I don't have any teeth?
We recommend annual visits to check the fit of your dentures and overall health of your mouth. Ill-fitting dentures can cause a variety of problems such as irritation and rubbing, speech and digestion problems. We also need to check for signs of oral cancer and other diseases, and examine your gum ridges, tongue and jaw joints.
Will people know I wear dentures?
Our dentures are custom-crafted by hand to ensure a natural, life-like appearance. The acrylic has fibers throughout so it looks like real gum tissue. Plus, we provide our patients the choice of teeth in different shapes and sizes with shading and blending that mimics natural tooth enamel. We also work hard to provide you with the best possible fit to avoid slipping, clicking and slurred speech. The only thing people will notice is your beautiful, natural-looking smile.
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