Dentures

If you have missing teeth, dentures are one solution to fill the gap. Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth. There are two types available: complete or partial. Complete dentures are used when all teeth are missing or have been removed, while partial dentures replace missing teeth among remaining natural teeth.

Complete dentures come in two forms: conventional or immediate. After the teeth have been removed and the healing process has been completed, conventional dentures are ready to be placed. Immediate dentures are made before removal of teeth and may be worn as soon as teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are used when there are some remaining natural teeth. The natural teeth are used as anchors to affix the bridge. Partial dentures fill in the gaps where there are missing teeth, and they are often removable.

The process of making dentures often takes several weeks. Your dentist will work with you to determine the best course of action and plan a timeline. The first step is to make impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws function. Your dentist will then make models, wax forms, or plastic patterns in the shape of the dentures. You’ll test these different models, as your dentist will assess the best fit. After the measurements and fits have been determined, your dentist will cast a final denture.

Whether you have complete or partial dentures, the insertion of new dentures may require some adjustment time. Your dentures will feel foreign against your cheeks, tongue, and the inside of your mouth. Your mouth may experience some soreness or irritation, but with proper adjustment, these problems subside.

If you have missing teeth, you may notice some changes in your appearance, from your smile to the shape of your face. Because dentures are modeled after your natural teeth, the use of dentures will restore your smile and fill out your facial appearance.

It may take some time to get used to speaking with dentures. Your natural teeth play a big role in how you shape words and sounds. With your new dentures, you may have some difficulty pronouncing certain words and you may notice a click. While speaking, smiling, or laughing, your dentures may occasionally slip. If this happens, you may reposition your dentures by biting down gently and swallowing. If you experience a click or much looseness, contact us at Peasant Run Dental.

Perhaps the biggest challenge to getting used to your dentures is eating. Dentures are removable and worn against your gums, so chewing and biting may at first feel strange. The process of getting used to eating usually takes time. While eating, take care to chew slowly and deliberately, using soft foods cut into small sizes. Be wary of very hot foods or very hard foods (bones, shells). Avoid using toothpicks, and avoid chewing gum with dentures.

In the first few days of having your dentures, we may recommend that you wear them all day and night, even while you sleep. This helps you get used to dentures and also helps your dentist identify if there are areas that need adjustment. Following the adjustment process, you should remove your dentures before bed. This gives your gum tissues time to rest and experience stimulation by your tongue and saliva. You will also be soaking your dentures overnight in denture solution, which keeps them clean. In the morning, before placing your dentures, be sure to rinse them off.

In terms of caring for your dentures, it is recommended that you remove and rinse your dentures after eating. After removing your dentures, clean out your mouth as well. You should brush your dentures at least once daily, if not twice, as you would normal teeth. If you are not using your dentures, they should be carefully placed into denture-soaking solution. Rinse off your dentures before placing them back in your mouth.