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Dentures are prosthesis designed to replace partial or complete missing teeth.
Two types of dentures can be done in patients mouth based on number of missing teeth. Partial dentures are recommended when one or more teeth needs to be replaced or used when some natural teeth remain to support partial dentures and complete dentures are done when all the teeth are missing in lower or upper jaw. Complete denture can be done on one jaw also if all teeth are missing in any upper or lower jaw. There are different materials available to do the same [B.P.S, Sunflex etc.]
Removable partial or full dentures require proper care to keep them clean, free from stains and looking their best. For good denture care:
- Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. You may want to place a towel on the counter or in the sink or put some water in the sink so the dentures won’t break if you drop them.
- Handle your dentures carefully.
- Clean your mouth after removing your dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks and roof of your mouth (palate). If used, remove any remaining denture adhesive from your gums.
- Brush your dentures at least daily. Remove and gently clean your dentures daily. Soak and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove food, plaque and other deposits. If you use denture adhesive, clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any remaining adhesive. Don’t use denture cleansers inside your mouth.
- Soak dentures overnight. Most types of dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. Check with your dentist about properly storing your dentures overnight. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and soaking solutions.
- Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution. These solutions can contain harmful chemicals that cause vomiting, pain or burns if swallowed.
- Schedule regular dental checkups. Your dentist will recommend how often to visit to have your dentures examined and professionally cleaned. Your dentist can help ensure a proper fit to prevent slippage and discomfort, and also check the inside of your mouth to make sure it’s healthy.
- See your dentist if you have a loose fit. See your dentist promptly if your dentures become loose. Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores and infection.
You typically should avoid:
- Abrasive cleaning materials. Avoid stiff-bristled brushes, strong cleansers and harsh toothpaste, as these are too abrasive and can damage your dentures.
- Whitening toothpastes. Toothpastes advertised as whitening pastes often contain peroxide, which does little to change the color of denture teeth.
- Bleach-containing products. Don’t use any bleaching products because these can weaken dentures and change their color. Don’t soak dentures with metal attachments in solutions that contain chlorine because it can tarnish and corrode the metal.
- Hot water. Avoid hot or boiling water that could warp your dentures.
FAQ’s :
1. How long do you have to wait to get dentures after teeth are pulled?
The amount of time a patient must wait before dentures are added to the mouth is between three and six months after the teeth have been pulled. Minimum waiting period is one month if only few teeth are extracted. Waiting this amount of time gives the gum tissue ample time to heal.
2. Can I get my teeth pulled and dentures in the same day?
Same day, or immediate, dentures are those placed on the same day as the appointment with the dentist. They can be full or partial dentures which are inserted immediately following the extraction of the natural teeth.
3. How long will new dentures hurt?
In general, it takes about 30 days to get used to wearing dentures. One should have a little patience during this time, as learning to eat and speak again can be a challenge. Expect some soreness to persist at first, especially if you’ve had tooth extractions.
4. Do dentures hurt?
Getting immediate dentures after a tooth extraction may add to your discomfort. While your dentist may use an injectable medication such as novacaine to numb the gum and surrounding teeth, you may have some sensitivity for a few days from both the extraction and the insertion of immediate dentures.
5. Is it hard to eat with dentures?
Whole grain bread and cereals are good for you, but they may stick to your teeth. Eat them with liquids to make them easier to chew and swallow. Denture adhesives may help for eating foods that require a strong bite (like corn on the cob), but you may wish to avoid very hard or very sticky foods.
6. What foods can you not eat with dentures?
Hard foods should be eaten with caution because of the risk of damage to the dentures. They may also dislodge the appliance. These foods include nuts, apples,carrots, and corn on the cob. Instead, choose cooked food.
7. Why do dentures become loose?
The most common reason for loose-fitting dentures is a process known as bone resorption, where the gums begin to shrink. Another common cause of loose dentures is, simply, everyday wear.
8. Can I use regular toothpaste on my dentures?
Use a denture cleanser. (Conventional toothpaste, bleach, vinegar and soap are not designed for denture cleaning and could, in some cases, cause damage. … Moisten a denture brush (not a soft-bristle toothbrush) to clean all surfaces of your denture gently. Brushing too hard can damage any plastic or metal parts.
9. Why do you have to take dentures out at night?
You should remove your dentures at night as this will give your gums and bone a chance to relax from the pressure of the denture during the day. Dentures should be cleaned at night and stored in water during the night.
