General & Family Dentistry
Monday - Thursday 8:30 - 5:30 Office hours by appointment
401 N. Bridge St.
Linden, MI. 48451
What are Dentures?
Dentures are replacements
for missing teeth that can be
taken out and put back into
your mouth. While dentures
take some getting used to,
and will never feel exactly
the same as one's natural teeth, today's dentures
are natural looking and more comfortable than
ever.
There are two main types of dentures:
Full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose
the type of denture that's best for you based on
whether some or all of your teeth are going to be
replaced and the cost involved.
How do Dentures Work?
With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base
fits over your gums. The base of the upper
denture covers the palate (the roof of your
mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped
like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.
Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory
from impressions taken of your mouth. Your
dentist will determine which of the three types of
dentures described below is best for you.
Conventional Full Denture
A conventional full denture is placed in your
mouth after any remaining teeth are removed
and tissues have healed. Healing may take
several months, during which time you are
without teeth.
Immediate Full Denture
An immediate full denture is inserted immediately
after the remaining teeth are removed. (Your
dentist takes measurements and makes models
of your jaw during a prior visit.) While immediate
dentures offer the benefit of never having to be
without your teeth, they must be relined several
months after being inserted. The reason is that
the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it
heals, causing the denture to become loose.
Partial Denture
A partial denture rests on a metal framework that
attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes
crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth
and serve as anchors for the denture. Partial
dentures offer a removable alternative to bridges.
How Long Before I Get Used to My Dentures?
New dentures may feel awkward or
uncomfortable for the first few weeks or even
months. Eating and speaking with dentures might
take a little practice. A bulky or loose feeling is
not uncommon, while the muscles of your cheeks
and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place.
Excessive saliva flow, a feeling that the tongue
does not have adequate room, and minor
irritation or soreness are also not unusual. If you
experience irritation, see your dentist.
How Long do Dentures Last?
Over a period of time, your denture will need to
be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal
wear. Rebasing means making a new base while
keeping the existing denture teeth. Also, as you
age, your mouth naturally changes. These
changes cause your dentures to loosen, making
chewing difficult and irritating your gums. At a
minimum, you should see your dentist annually
for a checkup.
Here are tips for caring for your dentures:
•
When handling your dentures, stand over a
folded towel or basin of water. Dentures are
delicate and may break if dropped.
•
Don't let your dentures dry out. Place them in
a denture cleanser soaking solution or in
plain water when you're not wearing them.
Never use hot water, which can cause them
to warp.
•
Brushing your dentures daily will remove
food deposits and plaque, and help prevent
them from becoming stained. An ultrasonic
cleaner may be used to care for your
dentures, but it does not replace a thorough
daily brushing.
•
Brush your gums, tongue and palate every
morning with a soft-bristled brush before you
insert your dentures. This stimulates
circulation in your tissues and helps remove
plaque.
•
See your dentist if your dentures break, chip,
crack or become loose. Don't be tempted to
adjust them yourself this can damage them
beyond repair.