It’s important to keep your natural teeth healthy so they can provide you with years of service – eating, making speech easier and allowing you to show off your dazzling smile. However, sometimes it just isn’t possible to keep all your natural teeth. Heredity, improper care, mouth injuries, disease and other factors cause tooth loss. In fact, more than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth and 120 million are missing at least one tooth.1
Dentures, which are removable replacements for lost teeth, can be the solution.
There are three types of dentures: complete or permanent dentures, immediate dentures, and partial dentures. Complete, or permanent dentures as they are sometimes called, replace the entire set of missing teeth on the top or the bottom of your mouth, or on both the top and bottom.
Denture Types and Their Advantages
An immediate denture is a complete denture, which is temporary, and which replaces teeth immediately after permanent teeth are removed. Immediate dentures make it possible to be able to chew food during the time it takes for the wearer to heal from the tooth extraction and for conventional dentures to be made, usually in about 8 to 12 weeks.2 Other distinct advantages of immediate dentures are that you never have to go out in public without teeth, they will protect your gum tissue while you are healing, and they will help you get use to wearing dentures before your complete dentures are ready.
A partial denture, or overdenture as it is sometimes called, replaces a small group of lost teeth, rather than a whole top or bottom set of teeth. A partial is usually better than a complete denture as the natural teeth that are saved help preserve the jawbone and provide stability and support for the partial.
Permanent or complete dentures will require several dental appointments. Your dentist will take several impressions of your jaw and measure the space in your mouth to ensure a good fit. A mold of wax or plastic in the exact shape of your denture will be made and you will be asked to try it on for fit and shape and to determine if the color is acceptable. Then the final dentures will be cast and adjusted as necessary.
You may be asked to wear your dentures around the clock in the beginning, as this is the easiest and quickest way for your dentist to determine what adjustments may be needed.3 A good, comfortable fit is essential because poorly fitting dentures can irritate the gums.
Denture Care
Caring for your dentures is very important even though they may seem tough and indestructible. Once your initial 24-hour-a-day adjustment period is over you should always take your dentures out overnight. This lets your tongue and saliva do their jobs in keeping your gum tissue healthy.4 When your dentures aren’t in your mouth, they should be kept moist so they don’t dry out. Soak them in cool water or a denture cleaning solution. Never put your dentures in hot water as they can warp.
When you are handling your dentures, be careful. They can break if you drop them in the sink when cleaning them. It is recommended that you fill the sink with water or put a soft towel in the bottom of the sink to prevent handling mishaps.
Dentures should be cleaned on a daily basis but not with commercial toothpaste, as it can damage dentures.5 You can either brush your dentures with water or use a low abrasion toothpaste specifically formulated for dentures.
These specially formulated toothpastes clean without scratching your dentures. Scratches and other abrasions on your dentures provide places for bacteria and plaque to grow. Use a soft-bristled denture brush which has been designed specifically for cleaning dentures and gently brush your dentures for at least two minutes, as you would your permanent teeth. Then thoroughly rinse your dentures under running water. Always wash your hands after handling dentures.
The final step is to use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your gums, tongue and any remaining natural teeth and rinse your mouth with water before reinserting your dentures. This helps maintain good oral health. You should also periodically soak your dentures in a specialized denture cleaner, but while it may make your dentures look whiter soaking your dentures is not a substitute for brushing as soaking doesn’t remove plaque.
It is also important to continue to see your dentist for regular check-ups after you receive your dentures. Over time and with age, your gums and jaw can change, causing your dentures to not fit properly. Your dentist can monitor this situation and any others that may cause your oral health to suffer.
If you are in need of partial or full dentures, Sedki Dentistry in Commerce Township, Michigan can help. Our dental practice has 20+ years’ experience and trained to provide the best possible care for all dental health needs. Addressing all areas of general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, children’s dentistry and more, you are in good hands with Dr. Sedki. Call for a Free Dental Consultation today!
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1 Facts and Figures, American College of Prosthodontists
Link: https://www.gotoapro.org/facts-figures/
2 Dentures, www.clevelandclinic.org, 1/13/2020
Link https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10900-dentures
3,4 Dentures: Temporary & Permanent, Costs, Pros & Cons
Link https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adults/dentures-temporary-permanent-costs-pros-cons/
5 Denture Care Instructions and Tips
Link https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adults/denture-care-instructions-tips/