When you think of dentures do George Washington’s wooden teeth come to mind? Jokes of false teeth are a thing of the past because in today’s world dentures fit better and look more natural than ever before! They give millions of people the confidence to eat, smile, and speak with ease.
Dentures 101
Dentures are removable dental appliances that serve as a replacement for missing teeth and gum tissue. They come in all shapes and sizes for a comfortable and personalized fit. Dentures can be complete or partial, depending on how many teeth are missing. Complete dentures are for a mouthful of missing teeth, while partial dentures are used to fill spaces of a few missing teeth in addition to preventing the remaining natural teeth from shifting.
Breaking it down even further, complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate”. Conventional dentures are made to fit once the mouth is completely healed (about a month) from extraction, while immediate dentures are placed right after the teeth are removed to prevent the patient from going toothless for a period of time.
Dentures are highly durable, but due to normal wear and tear, they will eventually need to be readjusted, repaired, or remade.
What to Expect with Your Dentures
The process of getting dentures consists of multiple appointments and fittings over the course of several weeks. The first step requires accurate impressions (molds) and measurements to ensure that your dentures will fit like a glove. It can require several adjustments and fittings to get them feeling just right.
Once you get your dentures, it will take some getting used to so be patient as you learn to adapt to this new way of life. You might notice some irritation and discomfort along with a little extra saliva in the beginning. It shall pass. Eating and speaking will require practice, but you will adjust to your new teeth in no time! Taking good care of your dentures will make them last longer as well as keep your mouth healthy.
Denture Care Tips
Be patient: Give yourself time to get used to wearing dentures. Take smaller bites of food and chew slowly. Just know that the awkward adjustment phase is only temporary, and your smile will feel natural in no time!
Clean Properly: Dentures can accumulate food debris and plaque, so they need to be thoroughly cleaned daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and soaked in special denture cleanser to remove bacteria.
Practice talking: You might talk funny at first, but a good tip for improving speech is to sing along to music. This allows you to practice pronunciations, while enjoying your favorite jams.
Rest your mouth: You should remove your dentures for several hours a day to give your gums a much-needed break. Never ever leave your dentures in overnight!
Soak your teeth: Dentures can lose their shape and dry out, so it’s important to always soak them when they are not in your mouth. They can be soaked in warm water or denture cleanser.
Watch what you eat: Show your dentures some TLC by avoiding foods that can damage them such as gum, hard candies, nuts, taffy, popcorn, etc. Soft foods will be your best friend in the very beginning!
Dentures are not for everyone, but they are a great and affordable option for missing teeth due to various dental problems like periodontal disease, tooth decay, and trauma to the mouth. The cost varies depending on the type of dentures as well as the status of your oral health. Getting dentures can enhance your appearance and improve your facial tissues, making you look more youthful and vibrant!
If you have any questions or concerns regarding dentures, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.