Dentures and Denture Fitting

Are you or someone you know considering dentures? Dentures can be a great way to restore your smile and improve your ability to eat and speak. This article will help you understand how they work, their benefits, and how to care for them.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and look like your natural teeth. There are two main types of dentures: full dentures and partial dentures.

Full Dentures 

These are used when all of your teeth are missing. They can be either “conventional,” which are made after your teeth have been removed and your gums have healed, or “immediate,” which are made in advance and placed right after your teeth are removed.

Partial Dentures

These are used when some of your natural teeth remain. They fill in the gaps where teeth are missing and help keep your remaining teeth from shifting.

How Do Dentures Work?

Dentures are designed to fit snug over your gums. Full dentures cover your entire jaw, either upper or lower. Partial dentures rest on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. The base of a denture is typically made of acrylic, and the teeth are made of plastic or porcelain.

Benefits of Dentures

Dentures offer several benefits for those with missing teeth: 

Improved Appearance 

Dentures can fill out your facial profile and give you back your confident smile.

Speaking Better

Missing teeth can make it hard to pronounce certain words. Dentures help you speak more clearly. 

Eating Easier

Dentures make it easier to chew food, improving your nutrition and digestion.

Facial Muscle Support

Dentures help support the muscles in your face, preventing a sunken appearance.

Getting Used to Dentures

At first, dentures may feel a bit odd, but with time, you’ll get used to them. Here are some tips to help you adjust: 

Start Slowly

Begin with soft foods cut into small pieces. 

Practice Speaking

Read aloud to yourself to get used to speaking with your dentures.

Use Dental Adhesive 

This can help keep your dentures in place and make you feel more comfortable.

Caring for Your Dentures

Taking good care of your dentures is important for maintaining your oral health. Here’s how you can care for them:

Daily Cleaning

Brush your dentures every day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and denture cleaner. Avoid using regular toothpaste as it can be too abrasive.

Handle with Care

Be gentle when cleaning your dentures to avoid damaging them.

Soak Overnight

Place your dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution overnight to keep them moist and maintain their shape. 

Regular Check-Ups

Visit your dentist regularly to ensure your dentures fit properly and to check your overall oral health. 

Common Issues and Solutions

You might experience some common issues with your dentures, but don’t worry—most of them can be easily fixed.

Soreness

If your dentures cause soreness, visit your dentist. They may need to be adjusted.

Slipping

If your dentures slip when you talk or eat, a dental adhesive might help. If the problem persists, see your dentist. 

Breakage

If your dentures break or crack, don’t try to fix them yourself. Take them to your dentist for repair. 

When to See Your Dentist

It’s important to see your dentist regularly, even if you have dentures. They will check the fit of your dentures and look for any signs of oral health issues. You should also see your dentist if you experience any of the following: 

● Persistent sore spots 

● Difficulty chewing or speaking 

● Dentures that feel loose or uncomfortable 

Schedule a Denture Consultation Today!

Dentures can significantly improve your quality of life by restoring your smile and helping you eat and speak more comfortably. By understanding how they work and taking good care of them, you can enjoy all the benefits dentures have to offer.

If you have any questions or need more information about dentures, contact us at Pleasant Street Dental. We’re here to help you every step of the way!