What to Expect When You Get New Dentures

In order to replace missing or decayed teeth, dentures are a removable, convenient (one of the quickest options for full tooth replacement), beautiful, and natural-looking option. Particular dentures are removable. Dentures intended to replace one or more missing teeth, but not an entire arch of teeth. They can replace one or more missing teeth.

• Removable partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth either in the lower or upper jaw. A partial denture is attached to two or more remaining natural teeth by gliding or snapping into place. A partial consists of pink acrylic to resemble gum tissue, strong and reinforced plastic teeth (there are a few teeth choices), and what is called a major connector. Part of the major connector connects the partial to the natural teeth. Connectors can be made from cobalt chromium alloy metal or tooth colored materials.
• Implant retained dentures – An implant retained denture is attached to and supported by two or more implants, which improves the function and stability of the denture. An implant is a screw-like fixture placed surgically in the bone, and the bone grows around the implant, causing an attachment on the denture to adhere to the implant, creating a more stable denture base. Despite the fact that implants are common and routine, most people report little to no discomfort following their implant placement.
• As we have already discussed, a full or complete denture is a removable tooth replacement option where all the teeth in at least one arch are replaced. (There can be an upper denture and a lower denture per individual.)

We will discuss all your options with you, as well as the pros and cons of each option, so we can determine the type of denture best suited to your needs and expectations based on the number of teeth you need to replace. In addition to improving the appearance of your face and smile, a full or partial denture will also promote long-term oral health and support your facial features. Dentures improve your oral function and enhance your appearance. In addition to chewing your food for digestion, teeth replacement is important for your overall health. If you do not chew your food properly, it can affect your nutrition and even cause gastrointestinal (G.I.) or “stomach” issues.

Advantages of Dentures

• Designed to be comfortable, fully functional, and aesthetically pleasing, dentures allow you to eat and speak with no problems.
• You can replace your missing teeth with them at an affordable price
• As they are designed to function as closely as possible to your natural teeth, they restore your oral functionality, smile, and confidence.
• The facial muscles and structures of your lips and cheeks are supported to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile and improved facial appearance.
• Depending on the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, you can customize your braces.
• Immediate dentures can be made after tooth extraction. So, you never have to be without teeth!
• When additional teeth are removed or lost in the future, partial dentures can sometimes be modified to accommodate the additional tooth loss.

Disadvantages of Dentures

• Initial adjustments to dentures, especially immediate dentures, may require soft and hard relining procedures to accommodate the changes in gum tissue and bone structure.
• The roof of your mouth is covered with dentures, so you may initially find it difficult to taste food. Rest assured that your other taste buds will start to accommodate this change and you will taste food normally with time.
• It is recommended to remove dentures and partial dentures from the mouth at night and to keep them in water overnight. Your mouth needs time to rest and breathe while sleeping.
• Dentures and partial dentures should be thoroughly cleaned every day by brushing out both the teeth side and the tissue side of your mouth, using a soft surface if one is accidentally dropped.
• There are times when dentures slide or slip, making eating and speaking difficult. A denture will also inevitably get food particles lodged under it. This requires rinsing the mouth with water and taking out one or both dentures to rinse them.
• You may need to adjust, repair or replace dentures if they break or crack when dropped.

What to Expect with New Dentures

It may take some time to get into the habit of wearing new dentures. The first time you wear your denture, it may feel strange, but this is normal. Initially, you may experience minor discomfort and soreness as your dentures settle in. After getting used to dentures, your mouth, tongue, and facial muscles will feel completely normal.

Here are some difficulties that you can expect with your new dentures:

• During this period, you may develop sore spots on your dentures, so your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment for you within 24 to 48 hours after delivering the dentures to you. Make note of the areas of discomfort so that you can communicate this information to us so that we can more easily locate the areas that need to be adjusted in order to prevent future problems. Do not attempt to adjust your dentures yourself, as you may injure yourself, misshape or break your new teeth replacement prosthesis. When you remove your dentures, put them back in your mouth and eat one to two meals before your next dental appointment. You will save yourself time, and we will be able to adjust your dentures accordingly since we will be able to find the exact problem more quickly.
• Taking care of your new dentures requires some practice. You should first try soft foods such as bananas, scrambled eggs, pastas, and mashed potatoes. Keep your dentures in place by cutting food into small pieces and chewing slowly. Chewing should be done on both sides of the mouth, rather than with the front teeth. That way, your dentures won’t fall out. The lower denture may be difficult to hold in place. When this occurs, you can hold it in place by touching the inner surface of the lower denture with your tongue. Dentures only function about 10% as to your natural teeth, so avoid chewy and hard foods. You will learn tips for eating on your own quickly and know what works for you. For instance, if you want to bite into something firm, by placing your tongue on the roof of the mouth, this will help an upper denture stay in place.
• It also takes some time to get used to speaking with new dentures. You might have a hard time with certain sounds or words. Make sure you read aloud and practice speaking with your dentures. You should speak slowly until you are able to hold your dentures in place if your dentures click when you speak. A new denture user will experience this when their dentures are not positioned correctly.
• Increased Saliva: It is quite normal to experience an increased saliva flow with new dentures. However, it will diminish once you get used to wearing dentures.

How Long Can Dentures Last?

When maintained and cared for properly, dentures can last up to ten years. The typical life of a denture is five years, but sometimes even more. You should always have a thorough dental examination and tissue done by a dentist every six months, regardless of whether or not you have natural teeth. Dentures may become loose over time as tissues in your mouth change. Denture wearers typically experience these changes after a few weeks to a year, which is why you should visit your dentist regularly for any adjustments, as well as for tissue checks for any abnormalities, such as oral cancer.