Myths About Dentures

There are many common myths and misconceptions regarding dentures that are accepted as fact. As with any other myth it is important to set the matter straight. Dentures last forever! Dentures are long lasting but like anything man made do wear out. They are made from plastic and dropping them can cause them to break. Depending on the individual the teeth wear out and the mouth changes. Once you have dentures, you don't need to see a denturist anymore. The mouth changes constantly. Dentures that become loose and do not fit as well as they should will require a reline. People with dentures can still develop oral cancer and should be examined regularly by a denturist. If your dentures become loose you may need to see the denturist for a reline. Everyone can tell when you're wearing dentures. Well fitting dentures made with meticulous care and attention to detail are difficult to recognize as dentures. They should provide a natural appearance and function well. You should be able to eat and speak normally. Dentures that fit well should not require adhesives to hold them in place.

Denture FAQ`s

How long can I have my dentures? Dentures typically last anywhere from 5-10 years. Even though your teeth are gone, your mouth and gums will continue to change shape for the rest of your life. Because dentures are artificial, they will not change with the shape of your mouth, and you will need them replaced or adjusted. Also, make sure you see your regular denturist annually at least, so as to avoid any major problems you cannot identify yourself. Will dentures make me look different? Today, the technology behind prosthodontics has become so advanced that you probably will barely notice a difference in your appearance. Each set of dentures is personalized to your gums, lips, tongue...your whole mouth. Additionally, before you're given your permanent dentures, molds are made in wax for you to try them on and see how they feel. The only difference in appearance you might have is the absence of decaying teeth, and the appearance of a healthy, beautiful looking smile. Will dentures affect the way I speak? Getting dentures for the first time is an adjustment, to say the least. There are many things you're going to have to practice a little to truly master - and speaking is one. Don't worry - it's not like relearning how to speak completely. You may experience some lisping at first, but it shouldn't take long to re-teach your tongue and lips where they go to regain you original speech patterns. Will dentures affect the way I eat? Again, it's all an adjustment. Yes, you may have some difficulty at first, but you've spent a lifetime learning a particular way of eating. Now, you'll just need to tweak it a little. Because your natural teeth are rooted deep in your mouth, you tear your food away from its source. Picture biting into a piece of fruit. Normally, you would tear the piece you want to eat right away from the rest of the fruit. With dentures, you will learn how to bite into the food, and not pull your head away until it is already in your mouth. A small adjustment, but it will take some practice. How do I clean my dentures? Like teeth, a denturist will recommend brushing your dentures after every meal. Obviously, this is not always a practical option. But you should clean your dentures as soon after you eat as possible. Take the dentures out and hold with your thumb and forefinger. Make sure wherever you're cleaning them, it's never over a hard surface. Put a towel down on the vanity, or make sure the sink is full of water. If you drop them, they won't break. Get a good denture brush and denture cleaner, both available in every day drugstores and brush thoroughly, as you would if the teeth were in your mouth. Avoid using bleaching agents, as they will discolor the pink acrylic for the gum line. Should my dentures come out at night? Probably. But check with your denturist. If your dentures are not in your mouth, there is usually extra care you should be taking with them - and you want to make sure you fully understand what that care is. You've spent too much on your dentures to not double check with your denturist.

Caring For Your Dentures

If you want to keep your new smile looking great for a long time, there are some simple things to know about caring for your new dentures. Dentures should be worn every day to make sure that they fit nicely into your mouth. Overtime, your gum and jawline will change. Wearing your denture regularly will help them to change less, and keep the denture fitting comfortably. Caring for dentures also means caring for your mouth in general. Your mouth needs a break! Take the dentures out at night and massage the gums with a soft toothbrush. This break will help prevent fungal infections and keep the mouth tissue healthy. Perhaps the most important part of caring for dentures is simply brushing them with a special denture brush, which is softer than a regular toothbrush. Use a denture paste, not regular toothpaste which is too harsh and could scratch the denture material. A little dish soap is okay, but be sure to rinse well, and never use other household cleaners on your dentures. The chemicals are just too harsh. When handling dentures, be sure to use caution. They are fragile and can break easily if dropped even onto a bathroom or kitchen sink. Many people prefer to work over a basin of water or soft folded towel as extra insurance in the event that the dentures slip from their hands while cleaning them. Considering the time and money investment, not to mention the importance of your dentures to your daily life, this is a good habit to get into. Caring for your dentures is simply about establishing good habits right from the beginning. Clean them twice a day, just as you would your natural teeth. After meals where brushing is inconvenient, be sure to rinse out your mouth to help wash away any food particles that may be caught between the teeth. With just a few moments a day, doing a good job caring for your dentures will provide years of satisfaction. These simple habits may take time to establish, but they can make a world of difference in how long they maintain their beautiful, new appearance.

The Complete Denture Exam

The successful Denture starts with a Complete Denture Examination. It is important to determine if a person actually needs a denture and whether an overdenture is indicated. Because of advances in Denturistry it is often possible to return the mouth to health without the construction of a denture. It is always the best choice to KEEP your teeth or at least some of them. A successful denture can be made but is always a compromise. As with a patient that has teeth, It is important that a proper exam be performed before a denture is constructed on someone who has worn a denture for many years . It is important to check for changes in the mouth and to determine if the dental arches can be enhanced by ridge enhancement surgery, before the new denture is constructed. If any pathology is present, it is important not to construct a new denture over active disease. A complete clinical examination of the mouth is used to determine the condition of the soft tissues and the size and shape of the dental arches. The relationship of the upper and lower jaws can also be determined. DENTURES A General Overview Explanation Dentures have been around for a very long time. Many people have heard the stories about George Washington's dentures. Today's, dentures are of better quality and are more comfortable than ever before. Replacing missing teeth is important for maintaining good health and appearance. A full denture is a prosthetic appliance that replaces all the natural teeth. People who have no teeth usually show the effects of age more then people who have healthy natural teeth. A denture also has benefits with the way a person can eat and speak. A full denture support the the facial muscles and gives a natural appearance and smile. A full or Complete Denture is a removable appliance that replace all the natural teeth. A Partial Denture is a removable appliance that fills the spaces that happen when teeth are lost. A full denture can be immediate. The denture is constructed before the teeth are removed, the teeth are removed and the denture is immediately placed in the mouth. The advantage is that a person is never without teeth during the healing period. An immediate denture will always require a reline because the tissues of the mouth will change as healing occurs. An over-denture uses roots if they have adequate bone, or implants that hold the denture in place in the mouth with the help of special attachments. This holds the denture firmly in place. A careful examination including x-rays are essential when preparing for a denture. There are many steps and sizing tests that are required to ensure a denture fits and functions correctly, and has a natural appearance. It is essential to record proper jaw relationships and make accurate copies of the mouth. New dentures are seldom perfect without minor adjustments. There is a short period required to learn how to chew and use them correctly. New Dentures can develop sore spots and the denturist will need to adjust the denture until they are comfortable. Like with anything new dentures will require a learning period. You will need to learn how to use the muscles of your mouth and tongue to hold the lower denture in place. It is best not to leave the dental office and plan on a steak dinner. Start slowly with softer foods that are easier to chew. It may also take a brief period for speech to return to normal. This is a natural transition which usually happens reasonably quickly. It is usually recommended that people remove a denture at night to let the tissues of the mouth rest and breath. Many people however, do sleep with their teeth for "social" reasons.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant (also known as an endosseous implant or fixture) is a surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor. The basis for modern dental implants is a biologic process called osseointegration, in which materials such as titanium form an intimate bond to bone. The implant fixture is first placed so that it is likely to osseointegrate, then a dental prosthetic is added. A variable amount of healing time is required for osseointegration before either the dental prosthetic (a tooth, bridge or denture) is attached to the implant or an abutment is placed which will hold a dental prosthetic. The final prosthetic can be either fixed, where a person cannot remove the denture or teeth from their mouth, or removable, where they can remove the prosthetic. In each case an abutment is attached to the implant fixture. Where the prosthetic is fixed, the crown, bridge or denture is fixed to the abutment. Where the prosthetic is removable, a corresponding adapter is placed in the prosthetic so that the two pieces can be secured together.

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