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DENTURE CARE

dog with dentures

Life with dentures can take some getting used to; adapting eating habits and care routines is essential in protecting your appliance and ensuring the longevity of your investment.

 

WHAT ARE DENTURES?

Dentures are prosthetic appliances used to replace missing teeth. A denture can be used to replace just a few missing teeth or it can be used to replace an entire dental arch. These appliances are usually removable, but with advancements in technology and capabilities, there are now some denture options that remain fixed in the mouth with the assistance of dental implants.

 

TYPES OF DENTURES

Full Denture: A full denture is used to replace an entire dental arch. Some people may only have one arch replaced with a full denture, while others may have both arches replaced with full dentures.

 

There are two common variations of full dentures:

Conventional Full Denture- This denture is placed in your mouth only after all teeth are removed and tissues have had adequate time to heal. The healing process can take several months; during this time you will have no teeth or any prosthetic teeth.

 

Immediate Full Denture- This denture is placed by the dentist immediately after any remaining teeth are removed. This option allows for a prosthetic to be in place while the tissues heal. Throughout the healing process, an immediate denture will need to be relined, or re-fitted, by the dentist to accommodate changes in bone and tissue shape.

 

Both varieties of full dentures are custom made for your mouth based on impressions taken by the dentist. A full denture is made of a flesh-colored acrylic base to match your gum tissue and the shade and shape of teeth may be customized for aesthetics.


Partial Denture: A partial denture is used to replace one or multiple teeth in the same dental arch. Partial dentures can be made of either a metal or acrylic frame which attaches to remaining natural teeth to support the prosthetic replacement teeth.

 

LIFE WITH DENTURES

It will take time adjusting to wearing dentures before you are fully comfortable with them. This adjustment period varies for each individual but can generally last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The muscles of your mouth must relearn how to complete daily tasks such as speaking and eating and your tongue must now work to hold the denture in place.

 

Adjusting to Eating: During the adjustment period of wearing your denture, avoid any sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum. It is best to eat foods that are easier to chew like eggs, fish, finely chopped meat, cooked vegetables and ice cream. When taking bites of food, avoid biting down with your front teeth. Take small bites and chew slowly. As you adjust, regular eating habits can be reintroduced.

 

Adjusting to Talking: Before you begin to speak, bite down and swallow to set your denture in place. To help train your muscles and tongue, practice makes perfect! Talk as much as possible and try reading aloud from a book or magazine while at home.


With proper care, dentures can last a long time. Eventually, they may need some adjustment by the dentist such as being relined or rebased.

 

DENTURE CARE TIPS

  • Don’t Let Dentures Dry Out- When not in your mouth, keep your denture in a soaking solution or plain water. Never use hot water to soak dentures, the heat can cause dentures to warp.

  • Brush Denture Daily- Brushing your denture daily is important to remove any food deposits and plaque and prevent any staining. Use a soft denture brush and water to brush the denture. Avoid using a conventional toothbrush and toothpaste; these may be too abrasive and can damage your denture.

  • Brush Your Mouth- Even without teeth, it is important to brush your tongue, cheeks and hard palate daily. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush these surfaces in a circular motion to stimulate circulation to the tissues and remove any plaque build up.

  • Remove At Night- Before bed each night, remove your denture and place in soaking solution or water. This allows your oral tissues covered by the denture to rest and breathe. If dentures are left in at all times and seldom removed, you are at higher risk for oral yeast infections.

  • Handle With Care- Dentures can break if they fall or are dropped

 

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