3 Things To Know About Dentures

Dentures can bring back chewing function and restore confidence for someone who has lost all their teeth. As a result, they are one of the most popular and economical tooth replacement options on the market. Dentists have been fitting patients with dentures for decades to keep them smiling and eating the foods they love.

Though dentures offer countless benefits, they come with an adjustment period which is easier if the patient knows what to expect. Therefore, let us look at three of the most important things someone should know before getting dentures.

There is an adjustment period

Though dentures look like natural teeth, they are not and, therefore, will initially feel different. There may be some soreness when someone first starts to wear them, and a dentist may need to make further adjustments once the dentures are fitted. On average, dentists report that it takes about 30 days for someone to adjust to eating, talking, and smiling with dentures.

During this adjustment period, the patient must adapt to eating and speaking with this new appliance in their mouth. New denture wearers should stick to soft foods and cut their food into small manageable bits. Also, it helps to avoid aggressive chewing and to avoid biting with the front teeth. Fortunately, denture adhesives may help, and the dentist can advise the patient on making the adjustment process easier.

Denture hygiene is important

Cleaning dentures is different than cleaning natural teeth. Dentures should be removed from the mouth and brushed at least once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive soap or denture cleaner. Patients should clean their dentures over a soft surface to avoid breaking them if dropped.

In addition, patients will want to clean the inside of their mouth with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any denture adhesive and food debris from the gum, tongue, and cheeks. A patient can also rinse their mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. Never use actual toothpaste on dentures.

Many patients find it most convenient to clean their dentures after taking them out at night. After cleaning the dentures, a patient should soak them overnight in water or a special denture solution. Dentures need to remain moist to retain their shape. Also, the water temperature matters, as soaking dentures in hot water can warp them.

Dentures need to be repaired and replaced

With proper care, dentures can last a long time. However, as the mouth changes, the dentures will need what is known as a reline. This process involves the dentist adding material to the denture to adjust the fit to the patient's changing jawbone. On average, patients should expect to need a reline every two years.

Even with routine denture relining, dentures will still need replacing every five to 10 years. If the dentures are cracked or the teeth are discolored or loose, it could be a sign that it is time to replace them. Also, patients should consider replacing their dentures if they have had them for over five years and notice they feel loose or cause discomfort.

Sometimes, denture rebasing is an option. This is where the dentist replaces the entire acrylic base of the denture without replacing the false teeth. It can be challenging to decide whether to fix or replace dentures. However, a dentist can examine the patient's mouth and appliances, then advise the patient accordingly.