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What
Are Dentures? 
Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out
and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting
used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one's natural
teeth, today's dentures are natural looking and more comfortable
than ever.
There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your
dentist will help you choose the type of denture that's best for
you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be
replaced and the cost involved.
How
do Dentures Work?
With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your
gums. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of
your mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped like a
horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.
Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions
taken of your mouth. Your dentist will determine which of the
three types of dentures described below is best for you.
- Conventional
Full Denture
A conventional full denture is placed in your mouth after
any remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed.
Healing may take several months, during which time you are
without teeth.
- Immediate
Full Denture
An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the
remaining teeth are removed. (Your dentist takes measurements
and makes models of your jaw during a prior visit.) While
immediate dentures offer the benefit of never having to be
without your teeth, they must be relined several months after
being inserted. The reason is that the bone supporting the
teeth reshapes as it heals, causing the denture to become
loose.
- Partial
Denture
A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to
your natural teeth. Sometimes crowns
are placed on some of your natural teeth and serve as anchors
for the denture. Partial dentures offer a removable
alternative to bridges.
How
Long Before I Get Used to My Dentures?
New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few
weeks or even months. Eating and speaking with dentures might take
a little practice. A bulky or loose feeling is not uncommon, while
the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures
in place. Excessive saliva flow, a feeling that the tongue does
not have adequate room, and minor irritation or soreness are also
not unusual. If you experience irritation, see your dentist.
How Long do
Dentures Last?
Over a period of time, your denture will need to be relined,
remade, or rebased due to normal wear. Rebasing means making a new
base while keeping the existing denture teeth. Also, as you age,
your mouth naturally changes. These changes cause your dentures to
loosen, making chewing difficult and irritating your gums. At a
minimum, you should see your dentist annually for a checkup.
Here are tips for caring for your dentures:
When handling
your dentures, stand over a folded towel or basin of water.
Dentures are delicate and may break if dropped.
Don't let your
dentures dry out. Place them in a denture cleanser soaking
solution or in plain water when you're not wearing them. Never
use hot water, which can cause them to warp.
Brushing your
dentures daily will remove food deposits and plaque,
and help prevent them from becoming stained. An ultrasonic
cleaner may be used to care for your dentures, but it does not
replace a thorough daily brushing.
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.
See your dentist
if your dentures break, chip, crack or become loose. Don't be
tempted to adjust them yourself-this can damage them beyond
repair.
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