What to expect with dentures
Dentures are worn to replace natural teeth. Dentures are usually made from lifelike resin teeth bonded to a plastic base. A complete denture replaces all the natural teeth. A partial denture is usually held in place by clasps or metal clips that fit around some of your remaining natural teeth.
Will anyone be able to tell the from my natural teeth?
Dentures made with today's technology can look so natural that people can't tell you're wearing them. Your dentures will have been custom made to fit your mouth, and coloured to look as natural as possible. They will take on the character of your original teeth, so your appearance will be unchanged.
How easy is it to adjust to wearing dentures?
It's normal for new dentures to feel a little strange at first, but rest assured that you don't look any different - there's no need to be self conscious. Although you may produce more saliva than normal, this should settle down after a while. You will soon start to smile, talk and eat as confidently with dentures as you would with your natural teeth.
Will dentures affect my sense of taste?
Food may taste a little different at first, while your mouth is adjusting to the feel of the denture. However, your taste buds are mainly located on the tongue not your teeth. Food will soon start to taste normal again.
What about eating out?
Once you get used to wearing your dentures there is no reason why you should feel too restricted by them With time and experience, you'll begin feeling as confident as you did before and you'll be able to enjoy eating out.
Can denture adhesives help?
A denture adhesive can help you overcome a range of problems. No matter how well your dentures have been made to fit, they may not provide the same strong biting surface as natural teeth. Whether your dentures are new or you've had them a while, you may find that:
their retention and stability are affected by the structure of your mouth the level of suction that helps to hold them in place (particularly the upper denture) varies with the amount of saliva you produce you avoid foods like crusty bread, nuts and apples that may displace your dentures the pips and seeds of some fruits can get trapped underneath causing irritation and pain.
What should I do if my dentures hurt?
Dentures should not be painful, so if they hurt, it's likely that something is not quite right. Visit your dental professional as soon as possible.
Should I take my dentures out at night?
If you choose to keep your dentures in at night, always clean them thoroughly before you go to bed - just as you would your natural teeth. Leaving your dentures out at night gives your mouth and gums an opportunity to recover from the effort of supporting your dentures during the day, and to experience the soothing effects of your saliva flow. Ask your dental professional if you're not sure.
How do I take care of my dentures?
Just like natural teeth, dentures always need to be cleaned morning and night in order to remove food particles and plaque. Even if you can't see it, a build-up of plaque on your dentures can irritate your gums. Clean carefully along the gum-line and wherever any remaining teeth meet your dentures, because debris and plaque tend to build up in these areas.
Do I still need to visit my dental professional?
Yes. Your dentures are made from materials that are softer than your natural teeth, so eventually they will need to be replaced. In the meantime, your dental professional needs to make sure that they continue to fit properly, because your mouth continues to change shape after your teeth have been removed. Gaining or losing weight can also affect the shape of your mouth. If you have full dentures, visit your dental professional at least once a year for a check-up. If you have partial dentures, visit at least once every six months.
Tips for adjusting to your dentures
Speaking: Practice speaking or reading in front of the mirror to help you get used to your dentures.
Eating: While you are getting used to your dentures it is a good idea to: eat softer food, take smaller mouthfuls and chew more slowly.
After you put food in your mouth, try to divide it in two. Then chew each half at the back of each side of your mouth. By placing an even pressure on your dentures this will help them feel more stable and stop them from tipping.
Avoid very hot food and drinks for a little while, to make sure you don't burn yourself. Your sensitivity to the temperature of food and drinks may be temporarily affected but will return.
At night: Try keeping your new dentures in place for the first few nights to allow them to settle in sooner.
You can use denture cleaners available from supermarkets and pharmacies. Follow the directions on the packet. DO NOT put your denture in boiling water; the plastic will distort and your denture may not fit.
You may need to use either an adhesive cream or strips to hold your denture firmly in your mouth. These are also available from pharmacies and supermarkets.
