Dentures are a tried and tested method of replacing teeth and are removable appliances. Modern dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever before. However, while cost-effective, dentures will never feel quite as good as your own teeth, and it can take some time to get used to them.
How Do Dentures Work?
There are two types of dentures in Oshawa: full and partial. Initially, you may need an immediate denture.
When your natural teeth are first removed, you may be fitted with an immediate denture. It is made before your teeth are extracted and is ready to fit soon afterwards. You wear an immediate denture while your gums heal, as their shape will change significantly during these first few months. After your gums have healed, you can have your full or partial denture made.
Full Dentures
Full dentures have a gum-coloured acrylic base that fits in your mouth, and they can replace an entire arch of teeth.
An upper denture is designed to cover your upper palate, and the coverage helps it remain more firmly in place. A lower denture is constructed in a horseshoe shape.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth in the same arch. They still have an acrylic base, but this is strengthened with metal. There are also clasps that fit around your natural teeth, helping to anchor the denture more firmly in place. A partial denture is an alternative to having a fixed dental bridge supported by your natural teeth.
How Long Will It Take to Get Used to Dentures?
When you first wear your new dentures in Whitby, it’s normal for them to feel a bit big and bulky. Getting used to eating and speaking with them can take some time, so you will need to practice. The muscles in your cheeks and lips also need to get used to holding the denture in place.
A new dental appliance can also cause increased saliva flow. This should return to normal as you become accustomed to wearing the denture.
Caring for Your Dentures
Keeping your dentures fresh and hygienic is important by cleaning them thoroughly each day.
- Your dentures are quite fragile and can break if you drop them, so when you take them out, clean them over a basin of water or a clean towel.
- Use a denture brush and mild dish soap to clean your dentures. You shouldn’t use a toothbrush and toothpaste because these are too abrasive. Thoroughly brushing your dentures will help remove all plaque and food deposits and help prevent staining.
- While you aren’t wearing your dentures, place them in a soaking solution or denture cleaner. It’s important not to let them dry out. It’s also important not to use hot water as this could warp them.
- Leave your dentures out overnight, as you shouldn’t sleep in them. Your gums need time to recover overnight.
- Clean your mouth by brushing your gums, tongue and hard palate with a soft-bristled brush. This will help stimulate circulation in these tissues and remove plaque and food debris.
- If you break your dentures, contact Margolian Dentistry so we can mend them professionally. This won’t take long, and getting them done properly is important. Trying to mend them yourself could damage them irreparably.
What If I Can’t Get Used to My Dentures?
If you struggle to wear dentures, ask us about dental implants in Ajax. These are a modern solution for tooth loss, using small implants inserted into your jawbone as anchorage points.
Dental implants can support crowns, bridges, and dentures, so there is likely a solution for you.