Understanding Dentures

About Dentures

Dentures are a replacement of the missing teeth and they are convenient as they can be removed and placed back. It may take you some time to feel comfortable with dentures and it may never feel same as natural teeth but they help in chewing and restoring your smile and facial appearance.

How do dentures work?

The dentures look natural as they come with a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over the gums. The base of the upper denture covers the roof of the mouth and lower denture is made to accommodate your tongue. They are custom-made by taking impressions of your mouth. You can find partial or full dentures based on how many teeth you have intact. Full denture is used when you have lost all your teeth while partial denture is used when you still have few teeth intact.

How long before I get used to my dentures?

When the dentures are new, they may feel uncomfortable for few weeks or months and eating or speaking may need some practice. You may also feel excessive saliva production, irritation, or soreness as well.

How long do dentures last?

If preserved and taken care of, the dentures may last for 5 years. However, they may need to be realigned, remade, or rebased due to normal wear and tear. As you age, the mouth changes naturally and the bone shrinks which makes the denture loose. Minor cracks in the teeth can also be repaired in the lab by dentist within a day or two.

How do I take care of dentures?

It is important to keep the dentures clean and in good shape by following these tips:

• When dealing with dentures, keep a folded towel under them, as they can break if dropped.
• Always keep the dentures in a cleanser soaking solution or plain water as they should not dry out. Avoid using hot water.
• You need to brush the dentures daily for removing food particles and prevent them from getting stained.
• Use a soft bristle brush for cleaning your gums, tongue, and roof of mouth before inserting the dentures.