What Are Dentures

Dentures are a removable means of replacing missing teeth from one tooth to all of the teeth. When used to fill the spaces between remaining teeth metal clips can be added to help secure the denture using the teeth. The main advantage of dentures is that they are relatively inexpensive, can be made quickly and require only a moderate number of appointments. The disadvantages of dentures are that many people find them difficult to wear and eat with. During eating the load of the bite is taken by the gums and loose dentures can rub making the gums very sore.

How long does it take to make dentures?

Depending on the complexity of each case the duration of the treatment will vary. After the initial visit of examination, the subsequent visits will include taking impressions of the mouth, bite registration, try-in of the denture, fitting and review.

What to expect?

New dentures always feel strange when first placed in your mouth. Several days or weeks will be required before you get accustomed to them. Adaptation varies with different people and often time and experience are essential before dentures can be worn comfortably and function effectively.

Care of your dentures

If possible, dentures should be removed and cleaned after every meal. When cleaning, remember the following:

• Use a soft hand brush or a special denture brush. 
• Avoid very hot water as it may distort the denture.
• Use mild detergent to clean dentures. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can roughen the polished surface of the denture ( includes standard toothpastes). Do not use bleach as this may whiten the pink acrylic.
• Hold the denture firmly while cleaning. Accidentally dropping the denture may result in chipped or broken dentures.  Always wash your denture over a basin of water.
• Soak the dentures in denture cleanser at least once a week to remove stains and always rinse them thoroughly before using the dentures again.
• When you are not wearing the dentures store them safely.

How long should you wear your dentures?

During the first few days you are advised to wear them most of the time as much as possible. Ideally, dentures are taken out at night to allow the gums to rest and maintain good health. However if you are not comfortable with leaving the dentures out they may be worn overnight, but it is all the more important that the dentures and particularly any remaining natural teeth are kept extremely clean.

Helping you adapt to your new dentures

Eating
Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods and foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. Once you become accustomed to chewing, include other foods until you return to your normal diet.

Speech
New dentures may alter your speech initially. Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will speed up the adaptation process. This problem rarely persists beyond two weeks.

Sore Spots
Minor irritation caused by surface irregularities or pressure spots on the denture-bearing areas are quite common. Your dentist will relieve the discomfort by adjusting the denture surface. Stop wearing the denture if the irritation is very painful. Consult your dentist immediately.

Increased Salivary Flow
You may experience an increase in salivary flow when the dentures are first inserted. This is a natural response of the salivary glands and will return to normal after a few weeks. You can improve the situation by swallowing more often.