Dentures are removable false teeth that are fitted into your mouth to replace teeth that are missing. They come in a choice of materials – plastic, acrylic and porcelain, sometimes with metal in them and they look like regular teeth. Unlike dental implants or dental bridges which are fixed, these can be removed.
Partial and Full Dentures
You can have a single or multi-tooth denture or you can have a full denture and this would depend on how many teeth you have missing. Partial dentures prevent the shifting of your regular teeth and hold them in place. Full dentures are usually for older people who have lost their teeth or need them removed. Once all the teeth are removed, you can have an immediate denture which is fitted on soon after or a conventional one which is fitted after a month or two when the gums have shrunk. With immediate dentures, you will need to see your dentist often while the gums shrink so that he can refit them accordingly.
How Dentures are fitted
Whether it is a partial denture or a full denture, the dentist will take an impression of your upper and lower jaw and make a wax bite. Using this, an initial model is made so that the person can try it and see if fits well and if the color and shape are all right. Otherwise, the dentist will have minor adjustments made.
Once the dentures are fitted in, they might feel awkward but in a few weeks, the person will get used to it. Initially, it might feel funny chewing or speaking so it might be a good idea to start with soft food. There could be extra salivation too and maybe irritation of the gums. Any soreness needs a visit to the dentist so that he can make adjustments.
The dentist will ask you to wear your dentures all the time even at night till you get used to them. After that, you can remove them at night and put them back in the morning.
Denture Care
Dentures are delicate and need to be looked after.
• Use a denture brush to remove all food particles and keep the dentures in water or denture solution when you are not wearing them.
• Use warm water, never very hot water to clean them.
• Don’t drop your dentures or they could chip or crack.
• Clean your mouth well before you put your dentures back on.
