Dentures
Dentures are false teeth that have been custom-made to fit your mouth. A full or complete denture replaces all your natural teeth, and a partial denture rests on an acrylic or metal framework that attaches or clips to some of your remaining natural teeth.
Getting used to new dentures
New dentures take time to get used to, so don't worry if they feel strange at first. It will take a little time for you and your mouth to adjust. Great care will have been taken to make your dentures fit, but they may require slight adjusting in the first week or two while the dentures seat themselves.
Minor sore spots or tenderness usually heal in a day or so. If soreness persists, make an appointment with your dental practitioner. If you have left your dentures out because of soreness, wear them for at least 24 hours before your appointment to help the dentist or dental prosthetist pinpoint the problem area.
Appearance
Most dentures made with today’s technology look very natural and other people can't tell you are wearing them. However, you may feel your teeth are more prominent and your lips are fuller. After several days, your facial muscles will relax, your dentures will seat themselves and your face and mouth will have a more natural appearance.
Speech
Your new dentures will feel different from your natural teeth or from your previous dentures, so you may experience some speech difficulties during the first few days. Dentures also affect your tongue’s movements, once your tongue gets used to the new dentures, speech will return to normal. Speaking or reading out loud and in front of a mirror will help you get used to your dentures.
Sense of taste
At first, food may taste a little different. This is just your mouth adjusting to the feel and texture of your new dentures. Food will soon taste normal again.
Nausea
If you feel nauseous after inserting your dentures, relax, and breathe in and out through your nose. Usually this feeling will pass and you should continue to wear your dentures. If it is an ongoing problem, contact your dental practitioner as your dentures may require adjusting.
Eating
It is likely you will experience some difficulty eating when you first receive your dentures. It is common for a lower denture to move a little because of the action of your tongue, cheeks and lips when chewing. With practice, you will learn to control the movement of the lower denture.
For the first few weeks:
- cut your food into smaller pieces
- place only a small portion in your mouth
- try softer foods
- chew more slowly than usual
- chew small portions evenly on both sides of your mouth
- avoid foods with a chewy, sticky or crunchy texture that may dislodge your dentures
- avoid foods that require you to bite with your front teeth, such as whole apples and crusty bread, you can attempt these foods when you have mastered your new dentures.
Wearing your dentures overnight
There are different types of dentures, your dentist or dental prosthetist will provide you with advice on what is most suitable for you. When you are sleeping, it is recommended that you remove your dentures from your mouth, clean them and store them correctly. This will help to allow any areas of discomfort in your mouth to heal and prevent any irritation or infection occurring beneath the denture.
If you experience any continuing discomfort, make an appointment to discuss this with your dentist or prosthetist.
Cleaning your dentures
Like natural teeth, dentures attract plaque, become stained and collect food particles that can cause bad breath or irritate your gums. Keeping your dentures clean is vital for good oral health.
Whenever possible, your dentures should be cleaned immediately after eating. If you are away from home, rinse the dentures under tap water.
Clean your dentures at least twice a day. The best cleaning method is a combination of brushing and soaking.
Brushing: Use a small soft nailbrush with natural bristles (not nylon) or a denture brush to brush your dentures. Abrasive material can damage dentures so use soap or non-concentrated dishwashing liquid. Do not use toothpaste.
Soaking: Soaking does not replace brushing but helps to clean difficult-to-reach areas. Commercial soaking agents are available from supermarkets and pharmacies, or you can make an inexpensive alternative at home by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water. After soaking, thoroughly brush and rinse dentures in water. Don’t use hot water as it may adversely affect the denture material.
To protect your oral health, you also need to look after your gums, tongue, palate and any natural teeth. Brush gums, tongue, palate and natural teeth gently twice daily with a soft bristled brush. This stimulates circulation in the tissues and helps remove plaque.
Regular dental checks are also important to monitor the health of the soft tissues in your mouth and diagnose other conditions.
Looking after your dentures
On top of regular cleaning, here are other steps you can take to look after your dentures:
- dentures are fragile and may break if dropped - handle dentures over a folded towel or sink filled with water
- keep them in water when you’re not wearing them to prevent them from drying out
- take care with delicate partial dentures to prevent breakage - avoid undue heavy biting on individual front teeth
- make sure clasps fit accurately so they do not rub or wear teeth, and make sure clasped teeth are cleaned well to avoid decay
- see your dentist or prosthetist if the denture breaks, chips, cracks or becomes loose.