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What are Dentures
Dentures are custom appliances that are made to replace
missing teeth and the surrounding tissue structures. A denture can be a full denture, an appliance that replaces all upper or all
lower missing teeth, or a partial denture, an
appliance that replaces some of the teeth when some good sound teeth
remain.
Full Dentures
 These
are dentures that replace your entire upper and/or lower teeth. A custom
denture is made over a series of appointments where first impressions of your
mouth are made, then measurements of your bite are taken, your speech is
checked, and the color and appearance of your denture teeth are checked.
These steps normally take several appointments over several weeks to
complete. When the denture is ready the dentist places the dentures in your
mouth and again checks it for fit and comfort.
 A
partial denture is also a removable appliance that uses both your existing
teeth and your gums to support it. The existing teeth greatly help hold the
denture in place while you speak and chew. Although there is some movement
to a partial denture, it is much more stable than a full denture. Much like
a full denture, impressions of your gums and remaining teeth are made. Your
bite is measured, and then the size and shape of teeth are chosen to best
fit your mouth.
Adjusting to New Teeth
 Regardless
of what "Uncle Tom" says about his denture, this adjustment to a
new denture is a difficult time. Some people adapt better than others just
like some people heal quicker than others. It takes patience and
determination to learn to use a denture. Biting with your front teeth is
extremely difficult with a new denture. You speech will also be effected by
a new denture. Small bites, cutting your food with a fork and a knife, and
soft, easy to chew foods are a must to begin with.
Just as if you had an artificial leg you would have to learn to walk all
over again, so it is with a denture in eating and speaking. Your teeth
perform more functions during a normal day with eating and speech than just
about any other part of your body. Learning to adjust to dentures is a very
difficult experience. Some people adapt very quickly and some people take
many months.
For more tips on using and caring for your denture: click here.
Caring For Your Denture
Every denture, full or partial, should be removed and cleaned
several times a day. A denture should be cleaned with a bush and then put
in a denture soak. You can't just soak a denture and get it clean. The
plastics that make a denture absorb odor and bacteria and can cause" halitosis.
Long Term
As you age, your mouth continually undergoes changes. The
bone and ridge can recede causing a denture to become loose. The normal
life span of a denture is from 5 to 8 years. You should continue to see you
dentist in order that any teeth that remain are cared for and to
continually check the gums that support you denture.
Denture Problems
If you are having trouble with your dentures contact your
dentist. As the mouth changes pressure points and sore spots can develop.
If your denture becomes loose, relining the denture may be able to help you
wear it more securely. Dental implants can be
used to stabilize a denture and help you were it securely.
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