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Discover essential information before booking your appointment with us. You may watch this video to learn more information about the clinical steps of denture construction.
What Should You Expect When Getting THE DENTURE?
When getting dentures, it's important to know what to expect to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect during the process:
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
Examination: Your dentist or prosthodontist will perform a comprehensive oral examination to assess your oral health, including the condition of your gums, any remaining teeth, and the bone structure of your jaws.
Impressions: Molds of your mouth may be taken to create a model for the dentures.
Discussion of Options: You'll discuss the types of dentures available (full or partial, immediate or conventional) and choose the option that best suits your needs.
2. Preparation for Dentures
Tooth Extraction (if needed): If you have any remaining teeth that are not viable, they may need to be extracted. In some cases, this can be done immediately before fitting immediate dentures.
Healing Time: If teeth are extracted, you may need to wait for your gums to heal before conventional dentures can be fitted. This can take several weeks to a few months.
3. Impression and Measurements
Detailed Impressions: More precise impressions of your mouth will be taken to ensure the dentures fit well.
Measurements: The dentist will measure the space between your jaws and determine the size and shape of the dentures to create a natural bite.
4. Trial Fitting
Wax Models: A wax model of the dentures may be created and fitted in your mouth to check for fit, comfort, and aesthetics. Adjustments will be made as necessary.
Color Matching: The shade of the denture teeth will be chosen to match your natural teeth or desired appearance.
5. Final Fitting and Adjustments
Denture Placement: The final dentures are placed in your mouth. The dentist will check for proper fit and comfort.
Adjustments: Minor adjustments may be made to ensure a proper fit. It’s normal to require a few adjustments as you get used to the new dentures.
6. Adaptation Period
Initial Discomfort: It’s common to experience some discomfort or soreness as you adapt to the dentures. Your mouth may also produce more saliva, and speaking or eating may feel awkward initially.
Eating and Speaking: Start with soft foods and gradually introduce more challenging textures. Practice speaking by reading out loud or repeating difficult words to help adjust to the new feel.
7. Follow-Up Appointments
Routine Check-Ups: You’ll need to return to the dentist for follow-up appointments to ensure the dentures fit properly and make any necessary adjustments.
Relining or Rebasing: Over time, your gum tissues and bones may change, requiring relining or rebasing the dentures to maintain a comfortable fit.
8. Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Cleaning: Regular cleaning of your dentures is crucial to prevent plaque buildup and infections. Use a soft brush and denture cleaner.
Handling with Care: Avoid dropping your dentures and store them in water or a denture-soaking solution when not in use.
Regular Dental Visits: Continue to see your dentist regularly to check the health of your mouth and the condition of your dentures.
9. Understanding Limitations and Expectations
Fit and Feel: Dentures will never feel exactly like natural teeth. There may be some compromises in comfort and function.
Durability: Dentures may need to be replaced or adjusted over time due to changes in your mouth's structure and wear and tear.
By understanding these steps and being prepared for the adjustments you'll need to make, you can ensure a more comfortable experience when getting dentures.
Denture hygiene tips
Proper denture hygiene is essential for maintaining the longevity of your dentures and ensuring good oral health. Here are some key tips for keeping your dentures clean and in good condition:
1. Daily Cleaning Routine
Remove and Rinse: After eating, remove your dentures and rinse them under running water to remove food particles and debris.
Brush Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a denture brush to clean all surfaces of the dentures daily. Use a non-abrasive denture cleanser, as regular toothpaste can be too abrasive and damage the dentures.
Avoid Hot Water: Always use lukewarm water for cleaning. Hot water can warp the denture material.
2. Soak Dentures Overnight
Use a Denture Cleaner: Dentures should be soaked in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight to keep them moist and maintain their shape.
Rinse Before Wearing: Always rinse dentures thoroughly with water before placing them back in your mouth, especially if you use a denture-soaking solution, which can contain chemicals that cause irritation or bad taste.
3. Handle with Care
Avoid Dropping: When cleaning your dentures, fill the sink with water or lay down a towel to cushion the dentures in case they slip out of your hands.
Hold Gently: Dentures can break if they are dropped, so always handle them carefully.
4. Clean Your Mouth and Gums
Brush Your Gums: Even without natural teeth, it’s essential to brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque, stimulate circulation, and reduce the risk of infection.
Massage Gums: Regularly massaging your gums can help keep them healthy and reduce irritation from dentures.
5. Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
No Whitening Toothpaste: Do not use whitening toothpaste or any other abrasive cleaners that can scratch the dentures.
No Bleach: Avoid using bleach-containing products as they can weaken the dentures and change their color.
6. Regular Denture Check-Ups
Schedule Routine Dental Visits: Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups to ensure your dentures are fitting well and to check your oral health.
Professional Cleaning: Your dentist may recommend professional cleaning of your dentures periodically to remove stubborn stains and buildup.
7. Be Mindful of Adhesives
Use as Directed: If you use denture adhesives, follow the instructions carefully and use only the recommended amount. Excess adhesive can lead to a sticky residue or irritate your gums.
Clean Residue: Make sure to clean any adhesive residue off your dentures daily to maintain a clean surface.
8. Monitor for Changes
Watch for Signs of Wear: Over time, dentures may need to be adjusted, relined, or replaced. Look for signs of wear and tear or discomfort and consult your dentist if you notice any changes.
Check Fit Regularly: If your dentures feel loose or cause discomfort, visit your dentist to have them checked and adjusted. Poorly fitting dentures can cause sores, infections, and other oral health issues.
9. Avoid Harmful Habits
Don’t Use Toothpicks: Avoid using toothpicks or any sharp objects to remove food from your dentures as this can damage them.
No Smoking: Smoking can stain dentures and increase the risk of oral health problems.
10. Stay Hydrated
Keep Your Mouth Moist: A dry mouth can lead to discomfort when wearing dentures. Stay hydrated and consider using saliva substitutes or moisturizing gels if you have a dry mouth condition.
Following these denture hygiene tips will help you maintain your dentures in good condition and ensure your oral health remains at its best
Limitations and Expectations AFTER DENTURE PLACEMENT
Limitations and Expectations AFTER DENTURE PLACEMENT
After getting dentures, it's important to understand both the limitations and realistic expectations to ensure a smooth adjustment period and long-term comfort. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
1. Adjustment Period
Initial Discomfort: It’s common to experience some discomfort, soreness, or minor irritation as your mouth adjusts to the new dentures. Your gums and the muscles in your mouth need time to get used to the dentures.
Increased Saliva Production: You may notice an increase in saliva production. This is a natural response and usually subsides as you adjust.
Learning Curve for Speaking: Speaking clearly may be challenging initially. You might have a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words. Practice speaking out loud, such as reading a book or engaging in conversations, to help you adapt more quickly.
2. Eating with Dentures
Start with Soft Foods: Eating with new dentures can be difficult at first. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Avoid sticky or hard foods that can dislodge or damage the dentures.
Chew Evenly: Try to chew on both sides of your mouth to distribute pressure evenly and prevent the dentures from tipping.
Avoid Hot Foods and Liquids: Dentures can insulate your mouth, reducing your ability to sense hot foods and liquids, increasing the risk of burns.
3. Comfort and Fit
Pressure Points and Sore Spots: It’s normal to experience pressure points or sore spots as you adjust to your new dentures. These can usually be alleviated with minor adjustments made by your dentist.
Regular Adjustments Needed: Over time, your gums and bone structure will change, which can affect the fit of your dentures. Regular dental visits are necessary for adjustments and to ensure a comfortable fit.
Risk of Looseness: With time, dentures may become loose due to bone resorption (the natural shrinking of the jawbone after teeth are removed). This is particularly true for lower dentures, which tend to be less stable.
4. Denture Stability
Use of Adhesives: Denture adhesives can provide additional stability and improve the comfort of wearing dentures. However, they should be used sparingly and as directed by your dentist.
Challenges with Lower Dentures: Lower dentures are generally less stable than upper ones due to less suction and a smaller surface area. They might move more while eating or speaking.
5. Maintenance and Care
Daily Cleaning: Dentures require regular cleaning to prevent plaque buildup, staining, and infections. This involves brushing them daily and soaking them in a denture-cleaning solution overnight.
Handling with Care: Dentures are delicate and can break if dropped. Handle them carefully, especially when cleaning.
6. Oral Health Considerations
Gum and Bone Health: Even with dentures, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your gums healthy and prevent infections. Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth daily.
Potential for Infections: Ill-fitting dentures can cause sores, which can become infected if not properly cared for. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor your oral health.
7. Functional Limitations
Reduced Bite Force: Dentures typically provide less bite force compared to natural teeth, making it harder to chew certain foods like raw vegetables or hard meats.
No Sensation of Taste: Unlike natural teeth, dentures do not have sensory feedback. This may affect your perception of temperature, texture, and taste.
8. Aesthetic and Psychological Adjustments
Appearance Changes: Dentures can improve your smile and facial aesthetics by filling out the appearance of your cheeks and lips. However, it might take time to get used to your new look.
Self-Consciousness: Feeling self-conscious or worrying about your dentures moving or making noise when you talk or eat is normal. This feeling typically lessens as you become more accustomed to wearing them.
9. Long-Term Expectations
Durability: While dentures are designed to be durable, they do not last forever. They can last several years with proper care, but they will eventually need to be relined, rebased, or replaced due to wear and changes in your mouth.
Regular Dental Visits: Even with dentures, you should visit your dentist regularly to ensure the fit and function are optimal and to monitor your oral health.
10. Emotional Adjustment
Adapting Emotionally: Adjusting to dentures is not just a physical process but also an emotional one. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions, from relief and satisfaction to frustration. Allow yourself time to adjust and seek support if needed.
Understanding these limitations and having realistic expectations will help you adapt more smoothly to your new dentures and maintain your oral health. Regular communication with your dentist and proactive care are key to enjoying the benefits of your dentures to the fullest.