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What's the difference between conventional
dentures and immediate dentures?
Complete dentures are called "conventional" or "immediate" according
to when they are made and when they are
inserted into the mouth.
Immediate dentures are inserted immediately
after the removal of the remaining teeth.
To make this possible, the dentist takes
measurements and makes the models of
the patient's jaws during a preliminary
visit.
An advantage of immediate dentures is
that the wearer does not have to be without
teeth during the healing period. However,
bones and gums can shrink over time,
especially during the period of healing
in the first six months after the removal
of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate
dentures may require rebasing or relining
to fit properly. A conventional denture
can then be made once the tissues have
healed. Healing may take at least 6-8
weeks.
What is an overdenture?
A removable denture that fits over a small
number of remaining natural teeth or
implants. The natural teeth must be prepared
to provide stability and support for
the denture. Your dentist can determine
if an overdenture would be suitable for
you.
What will dentures feel like?
New dentures may feel awkward for a few
weeks until you become accustomed to
them. The dentures may feel loose while
the muscles of your cheek and tongue
learn to keep them in place.
It is not unusual to experience minor
irritation or soreness. You may find
that saliva flow temporarily increases.
As your mouth becomes accustomed to the
dentures, these problems should diminish.
One or more follow-up appointments with
the dentist are generally needed after
a denture is inserted. If any problem
persists, particularly irritation or
soreness, be sure to consult your dentist.
Will dentures make me look different?
Dentures can be made to closely resemble
your natural teeth so that little change
in appearance will be noticeable. Dentures
may even improve the look of your smile
and help fill out the appearance of your
face and profile.
Will I be able to eat with my dentures?
Eating will take a little practice. Start
with soft foods cut into small pieces.
Chew slowly using both sides of your
mouth at the same time to prevent the
dentures from tipping. As you become
accustomed to chewing, add other foods
until you return to your normal diet.
Continue to chew food using both sides
of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious
with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged
bones or shells.
Will dentures change how I speak?
Pronouncing certain words may require
practice. Reading out loud and repeating
troublesome words will help. If your
dentures "click" while you're
talking, speak more slowly.
You may find that your dentures occasionally
slip when you laugh, cough or smile.
Reposition the dentures by gently biting
down and swallowing. If a speaking problem
persists, consult your dentist.
How long should I wear my dentures?
Your dentist will provide instructions
about how long dentures should be kept
in place. During the first few days,
you may be advised to wear them most
of the time, including while you sleep.
After the initial adjustment period,
you may be instructed to remove the dentures
before going to bed. This allows gum
tissues to rest and promotes oral health.
Generally, it is not desirable that the
tissues be constantly covered by denture
material.
Should I use a denture adhesive?
Denture adhesive can provide additional
retention for well-fitting dentures.
Denture adhesives are not the solution
for old, ill-fitting dentures. A poorly
fitting denture, which causes constant
irritation over a long period, may contribute
to the development of sores. These dentures
may need a reline or need to be replaced.
If your dentures begin to feel loose,
or cause pronounced discomfort, consult
with your dentist immediately.
How do I take care of my dentures?
Dentures are very delicate and may break
if dropped even a few inches. Stand over
a folded towel or a basin of water when
handling dentures. When you are not wearing
them, store your dentures away from children
and pets.
Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed
daily to remove food deposits and plaque.
Brushing helps prevent dentures from
becoming permanently stained and helps
your mouth stay healthy. It's best to
use a brush designed for cleaning dentures.
A toothbrush with soft bristles can also
be used. Avoid using hard-bristled brushes
that can damage dentures.
Some denture wearers use hand soap or
mild dishwashing liquid, which are both
acceptable for cleaning dentures. Avoid
using other powdered household cleansers,
which may be too abrasive. Also, avoid
using bleach, as this may whiten the
pink portion of the denture.
Your dentist can recommend a denture cleanser.
Look for denture cleansers with the ADA
Seal of Acceptance. Products
with the ADA Seal have been evaluated for safety
and effectiveness.
The first step in cleaning dentures is
to rinse away loose food particles thoroughly.
Moisten the brush and apply denture cleanser.
Brush every surface, scrubbing gently
to avoid damage.
Dentures may lose their shape if they
are allowed to dry out. When they are
not worn, dentures should be placed in
a denture cleanser soaking solution or
in water. Your dentist can recommend
the best method. Never place dentures
in hot water, which could cause them
to warp.
Ultrasonic cleaners are also used to care
for dentures. However, using an ultrasonic
cleaner does not replace a thorough daily
brushing.
Can I make minor adjustments or repairs
to my dentures?
You can seriously damage your dentures
and harm your health by trying to adjust
or repair your dentures. A denture that
is not made to fit properly can cause
irritation and sores.
See your dentist if your dentures break,
crack, chip, or if one of the teeth becomes
loose. A dentist can often make the necessary
adjustments or repairs on the same day.
A person who lacks the proper training
will not be able to reconstruct the denture.
This can cause greater damage to the
denture and may cause problems in your
mouth. Glue sold over-the-counter often
contains harmful chemicals and should
not be used on dentures.
Will my dentures need to be replaced?
Over time, dentures will need to be relined,
rebased, or remade due to normal wear.
To reline or rebase a denture, the dentist
uses the existing denture teeth and refits
the denture base or makes a new denture
base. Dentures may need to be replaced
if they become loose and the teeth show
signs of significant wear. Dentures become
loose because a mouth naturally changes
with age. Bone and gum ridges can recede
or shrink, causing jaws to align differently.
Shrinking ridges can cause dentures to
fit less securely. Loose dentures can
cause health problems, including sores
and infections. A loose denture also
makes chewing more difficult and may
change your facial features. It's important
to replace worn or poorly-fitting dentures
before they cause problems.
Must I do anything special to care for
my mouth?
Even with full dentures, you still need
to take good care of your mouth. Every
morning, brush your gums, tongue and
palate with a soft-bristled brush before
you put in your dentures. This removes
plaque and stimulates circulation in
the mouth. Selecting a balanced diet
for proper nutrition is also important
for maintaining a healthy mouth.
How often should I schedule dental appointments?
Your dentist will advise you about how
often to visit. Regular dental check-ups
are important. The dentist will examine
your mouth to see if your dentures continue
to fit properly. The dentist also examines
your mouth for signs of oral diseases
including cancer
With regular professional care, a positive
attitude and persistence, you can become
one of the millions of people who wear
their dentures with a smile.
Please note: The ADA does not provide specific answers
to individual questions about fees, dental problems, conditions, diagnoses,
treatments or proposed treatments, or requests for research. Information about
dental referrals, complaints and a variety of dental procedures may
be found here. You can also refer to our Frequently
Asked Questions page for answers to common questions.
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