All About Dentures

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Dentures, formerly known as plates, are removable prosthetic devices that replace teeth. They are generally made out of acrylic.

Dentures that fit well can improve your looks and enhance eating and speaking. In general, the life expectancy of a denture is about five to seven years. Over time, several factors will influence how well your denture teeth come together, their comfort, as well as your ability to chew and have a pleasing appearance.

Dentures, like all manufactured goods, require regular maintenance and eventual replacement. To maintain proper fit, appearance, function, and to avoid any damage to oral structure, we should regularly evaluate dentures. The gum and bone tissues that support dentures undergo changes over time and with age. Often, these changes include a good amount of bone shrinkage. Bone shrinkage causes a denture to become loose, less functional, and slip during eating and speaking. Age-related changes in facial muscles, complexion, and lips also will affect the function and appearance of a denture. Oral hygiene habits, use of tobacco, and drinking coffee or tea will affect the appearance of a denture, as well as any odors associated with them. Since dentures are in use every day, several hours a day, for many years, it is reasonable to periodically replace dentures that no longer fit properly. If you have not visited a dentist recently, if your dentures slip, have lost their good looks, cause discomfort, or if your dentures are more than five years old, consider the advantages of new dentures.

Are dentures all the same? No. Poor-fitting dentures cause chronic irritation, contributing to mouth sores and changes in the bone or gum tissues. We want you to enjoy a comfortable fit, and will carefully measure and prepare your mouth for dentures. We work with reputable dental labs where skilled technicians create your custom-fit dentures for maximum comfort. Will my eating habits need to change? Actually, there are very few eating restrictions for denture wearers. If you experience eating difficulties at any time, it is important to contact us. Poor-fitting dentures can contribute to eating difficulties. Dentures that fit right are vital for enjoying a well-balanced diet that includes a wide assortment of foods. Do I have to use denture adhesive? Dentures are custom-designed for a comfortable and good fit for you. As a result, they usually don’t require the regular use of an adhesive, unless it’s to stabilize dentures in need of repair. Poor-fitting dentures must be checked by us as soon as possible to eliminate discomfort and potential for irritation. What is the follow up for denture wearers? Dentures are very durable but that doesn’t make them indestructible. They can discolor, chip, break, and bend out of shape. With good care, dentures should last for many years. Here are some tips for maintaining the appearance and extending the life of your dentures:

• Use a brush designed specifically for dentures and a denture cleaner. Regular toothpaste can be too harsh for dentures.
• Store dentures in a container of denture-cleaning solution or water.
• Soak in warm, not hot water. Hot water can damage their shape.
• Use an effervescent cleansing tablet once a week to kill odor-causing bacteria.

Dentures offer many benefits to the millions who wear them. While they take some initial adjustment, they can enhance your smile as well as your long-term confidence. Return to us at least once a year to evaluate fit, appearance, and to receive an oral cancer screening.

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