With Dentures You Can Smile Again
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 You
are about to join the millions of people in this country
who wear dentures. While you may have some
anxiety and worry, there really are no major problems
that you are likely to encounter. there will be some
minor annoyances and adjustments, but your new
dentures can provide you with a healthier mouth and
probably a better appearance.
Your new teeth will be as life-like as modern dentistry
know how to make them. The teeth used have been selected
to match the shape, color and size of your natural
teeth. Occasionally, some changes are made to help
improve your appearance. Incidentally, you shouldn't
look forward to having
very white teeth. The goal
is a natural look, and few people have natural teeth
that are sparkling white. |
Getting Used To Dentures
|
 When
your new dentures are in place, your first impression
will be that you have quite a mouthful. You may feel
that your face looks "full," and the teeth may actually
seem to be longer than they should. Your lips might seem
out of place and your tongue will probably feel crowded.
In addition, your salivary glands will seem to be
working overtime, and you'll notice the
increased
saliva.You'll find that your
mouth muscles are good at adapting and they will adjust
to the new surroundings. You'll quickly learn the trick
of controlling your dentures. |
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Be Patient |
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There are no lessons or books; you must
simply wear your dentures constantly in order to master
them. The more you want to learn, the faster and easier
it will be. With daily practice, you will soon feel
comfortable with your new dentures. |
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Practice Talking |
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Some patients find it difficult to speak
clearly and distinctly. Often they have a tendency to
lisp because of the dentures having altered the shape of
the mouth. As soon as your tongue, lips, and cheeks
become accustomed, speech returns to normal. Practice
talking in front of a mirror or simply reading aloud to
yourself for a few minutes each day until you feel
comfortable. |
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Learning To Eat |
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You should be able to eat most of your
normal diet within a few weeks. In the beginning,
though, start with soft, easy to chew food, like chopped
meat and tender vegetables. Take small bites and chew
gently and thoroughly. Be sure you don't get into the
habit of chewing on only one side of the mouth. Begin by
placing half of each mouthful on one side and the other
half on the other side. You'll distribute the pressure
more evenly this way, and it helps you learn to eat more
easily. Although hard food, such
as apples or corn on the cob, may pose a bit more of a
challenge, there is something you can do to help. When
you bite with natural teeth, you have a tendency to pull
forward. With your dentures, develop the habit of
pushing back a little as you bite, especially with
something like corn on the cob. This helps produce the
leverage needed to keep your dentures in place. |
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Sleeping with Dentures |
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Many people wear their dentures all the
time; there are no real rules. If you
grind your teeth
while you sleep, you'll wake up with a sore mouth and it
would be best if you didn't wear your dentures at night.
On the other hand, sleeping without them may cause your
facial muscles to ache. If you do sleep with dentures in
place, don't be too surprised if you find them on your
pillow in the morning. It won't happen often, but it may
at the beginning. You will find you adjust to what is
best for you rather quickly. |
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Sore Spots |
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Some discomfort is to be expected until
your gums grow accustomed to their new task. If a
sore
spot develops, contact your dentist. He can relieve it
promptly. Any denture will gradually loosen and this may
cause sore spots to develop. The denture can be
refitted. |
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Keep Dentures Clean |
Just as stains and tartar can build up on
natural teeth, so can they on dentures. Clean your
dentures every day to keep them natural looking and
odor-free. Your dentist
 will
recommend the best method for cleaning them based on his
experience and the materials used in making your
denture. There are a few safety rules. When handling
your dentures be sure to do so over water to cushion the
fall if you should drop them. When not wearing your
dentures, keep them immersed in water to prevent them
from drying out.Even though you
no longer have teeth, you still have gums. Your gums
will begin to recede and while this is normal, it will
become necessary for the doctor to reline your denture.
The only one qualified to do this is your dentist. Don't
attempt the job yourself with materials commercially
available or you run the risk of seriously damaging your
gum ridges and throwing your bite out of alignment. |
A Partial Denture Replaces Missing Teeth
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You now have a partial denture to replace
missing teeth and restore your smile. You should be able
to chew more easily and with greater comfort. The
partial will also help preserve your remaining teeth.
Wearing a partial can be easy. Just spend a little time
getting used to it. And take good care of your partial
to keep your mouth healthy and help your partial last. |
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Your Partial Denture |
 A
partial denture is made up of one or more
porcelain or plastic replacement teeth. Gum
colored plastic attaches these teeth to a metal
framework. The partial is removable. It is held in
your mouth with either metal clasps or precision
attachments (special clasps made to fit into
crowns).
Your dentist can make sure your
partial fits properly. Follow the instructions that
your dentist gives you to help your mouth adjust. This
may take a few weeks.
Several visits to the dentist may be
needed to be sure the partial fits properly. Your
partial is custom-made for your mouth. Even so,
it may feel awkward for the first few weeks while your
mouth gets used to it. |
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Tips to Help During Adjustment |
Try a few of these tips. They may help
your mouth adjust faster and more easily.
- At first, eat soft foods and
foods that have been cut into small pieces. Once
you're used to eating with the partial, you can eat
almost anything you like. However, avoid very sticky
or hard foods.
- Practice reading out loud until
you can talk comfortably with the partial in place.
- Practice putting the partial in
and taking it out in front of a mirror. Never force
it or bite down to try to get it into place.
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Wearing Your Partial Denture
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Your dentist will recommend how long to
wear the partial and when to remove it. At first, you
might wear it all the time. Later on, you may be told to
remove your partial at night to give your gums a rest. |
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Keeping Your Partial Denture
Clean |
- Rinse your partial after eating
to remove bits of food. Brush at least once daily.
- Brush your partial over a folded
towel or sink full of water. That way, it won't be
damaged if you drop it.
- Use a soft denture brush
and mild liquid soap or denture toothpaste.
Regular toothpaste is too abrasive. Never use
bleach.
- Clean carefully around clasps to
be sure you remove all bacteria and food. Scrub your
partial gently to avoid damaging it.
- A few times a week, soak it in
denture cleaner to help prevent staining and
odor.
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Keeping Your Mouth Clean |
Your natural teeth and gums need good
care too. Clean your mouth of the bacteria and bits of
food that lead to tooth decay,
gum disease, and
mouth odor.
- Remove your partial and brush
your teeth after each meal. Also brush your tongue.
- Floss between your teeth
at least once a day.
- See your dentist for regular
checkups and cleanings.
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Keeping a Great Smile |
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See your dentist if your partial is
loose, causes soreness, or is bent or broken in any
way. Never make adjustments yourself. Take good
care of your partial and it will keep you looking great
for many years to come. |
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Contact
Paradise Dental
for more
information about restoring your smile with
dentures or a partial denture. |
