Will dentures make me look different?
Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that
little change in appearance will be noticeable. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance
of your face and profile.
Will I be able to eat with my dentures?
Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces.
Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. As you become accustomed
to chewing, add other foods until you return to your normal diet.
Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time.
Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells.
Will dentures change how I speak?
Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating
troublesome words will help. If your dentures "click" while you're talking, speak more slowly.
You may find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough
or smile. Reposition the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. If a speaking problem persists, consult your dentist.
How
long should I wear my dentures?
Your dentist will provide instructions about how long dentures should
be kept in place. 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.
Should
I use a denture adhesive?
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. These dentures may need a reline or need to be replaced. If
your dentures begin to feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, consult with your dentist immediately.
How do
I take care of my dentures?
Dentures are very delicate and may break if dropped even a few inches. Stand
over a folded towel or a basin of water when handling dentures. When you are not wearing them, store your dentures away from
children and pets.
Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food deposits
and plaque. Brushing helps prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and helps your mouth stay healthy. It's best
to use a brush designed for cleaning dentures. A toothbrush with soft bristles can also be used. Avoid using hard-bristled
brushes that can damage dentures.
Some denture wearers use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid, which are both
acceptable for cleaning dentures. Avoid using other powdered household cleansers, which may be too abrasive. Also, avoid using
bleach, as this may whiten the pink portion of the denture.
The first step in cleaning dentures is to rinse away
loose food particles thoroughly. Moisten the brush and apply denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid
damage.
