Dentures replace your missing teeth. Regain the look, feel and function of natural teeth.
Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll be able to eat and speak—thing that often people take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.
Types of Dentures
REMOVABLE DENTURES– replaces missing teeth. This denture lifts over the a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants.
PARTIAL DENTURES– replace a few missing teeth.
FULL OR ‘COMPLETE’ DENTURES are needed if all the natural teeth are missing. These can be Conventional or Immediate dentures.
Conventional denture is made after all teeth are extracted and the tissues have healed. This may at least take 6-8 weeks.
IMMEDIATE COMPLETE DENTURE– it is inserted as soon as all the teeth are removed. The wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the first 6 months after the removal of teeth. Then the dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly.
The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture.
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. As you become accustomed to chewing, add other foods until you return to your normal diet. 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. Read out loud and repeat troublesome words. You may find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile. Reposition the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. If the problem persists, consult your dentist.
CAN I MAKE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS OR REPAIR TO MY DENTURES?
You can seriously damage your dentures by trying to adjust or repair your dentures. A denture that does not fit properly causes irritation and sores.
Visit your dentist if your denture 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. Never self repair dentures with glue sold over the counter as it contains harmful chemicals.
WILL MY DENTURES NEED TO BE REPLACED?
Dentures may need to be replaced if they become loose. This happens because a mouth naturally changes with age. Bone and gum ridges recede or shrink, causing jaws to align differently. Loose dentures can cause sores, infections, make chewing difficult and may change facial features. Then they need to be relined, rebased, or remade. Let your dentist decide.
DO I NEED 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. A balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important for a healthy mouth.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE DENTAL APPOINTMENTS?
Your dentist will advice you about your dental visit. Regular dental checkups are important.
The dentist will examine your mouth to see if your dentures fit properly.
FIND YOUR SMILE. LOOK YOUNGER AND MORE CONFIDENT. BE YOURSELF WITH DENTURES.