Dentures can enhance your health and your life.  They help you speak, chew, and even support your facial structures.  Natural looking dentures can also increase your confidence level.  Through increased knowledge and expertise we can personalize your dentures with your unique features in mind:  facial shape and basic coloration of your eyes, hair, and complexion.

If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll be able to eat and speak—things that people often take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.

There are various types of complete dentures. A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed which may take several months. An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

 

 What should I expect with my new dentures?

The New Denture Experience

            It takes time to become acclimated to new dentures.    It will take time, adjustment and patience to learn to use this great new tool. 

During the first few days, you may be advised to wear them most of the time, including while you sleep. After the initial adjustment period, you may be instructed to remove the dentures before going to bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and promotes oral health. Generally, it is not desirable that the tissues be constantly covered by denture material.

            The first couple of weeks will require that you eat soft foods.  Over time you may start trying to add more solid foods to your diet.  The keys are to cut your food into small bites and place even amounts of food on both sides during chewing.  This makes the dentures more stable.  Remember to slow down when eating and you will learn the tricks to master your new dentures more rapidly. 

            It is perfectly normal to experience some discomfort associated with sore spots during your adjustment period.  Think about it, your soft gums were never intended to have hard plastic pushed and rubbed against them.  Adjustments and toughening of the gum tissues will be necessary before comfort can be achieved.

            Do not attempt to adjust your new dentures yourself.  If an ulcer forms or the dentures stay very sore for a couple of days we want you to return to our office with the dentures in your mouth so we can find the problem and make necessary adjustments.

            Talking may be difficult initially too.  It may seem, as if you have a mouth full of saliva and your tongue may seem boxed-in.  You may have some difficulty with specific sounds.  Give this some time and you will overcome these obstacles.  Reading aloud is always helpful to improve the phonetics of the new dentures. 

            Dentures need to be kept clean.  They should be brushed twice a day with denture toothbrush and denture toothpaste.  This will keep your dentures from staining and your breath fresh.  Don’t forget to clean your gums and tongue to prevent build-up of bacteria and bad breath too.  At night, we recommend taking your dentures out.  This allows the tissue to breath and removes the tremendous pressure that is placed on the gums all day long.  Dentures should be kept in water when out of your mouth to prevent warping. 

Denture adhesive can provide additional retention for well-fitting dentures.

Denture adhesives are not the solution for old, ill-fitting dentures. A poorly fitting denture, which causes constant irritation over a long period, may contribute to the development of sores.

            Remember that the gum tissue is in a constant state of change, but dentures are not.  Over time your dentures may loosen and need to be professionally relined.  If you have other questions, please don’t hesitate to call the office for advice. 

The professionals at White Orchid Dental welcome your questions. Please call 219-836-9122 to schedule your consultation with the smile care experts. Email: jeffmilne@sbcglobal.net with any questions or concerns along with your contact information and we will promptly respond.  We offer the opportunity to save time by printing the patient information forms online Patient Forms at White Orchid Dental  Please mail or fax these completed forms to us before your visit.