|
For many years, dentists have been restoring missing teeth with the help of dentures. In fact, more than thirty million people have dentures today. Dentures are false replacements for missing teeth that are worn in the mouth to mimic your natural teeth. There are full or partial dentures. Full dentures are worn by people who have lost all of their teeth while partial dentures are worn to replace only a few missing teeth. Dentures may also be used in conjunction with dental implants. Thanks to advancements in dental materials and technology, today's dentures look and function very closely to natural teeth and are more comfortable to wear. Whether you are considering dentures, have only had dentures for just a few weeks or have lived with them for years, its important to understand how to live with dentures in order to maximize your comfort and their effectiveness. Wearing Your Dentures Like any new oral appliance, dentures take some time to get used to. In the first few weeks of wearing dentures, they may feel loose or awkward as the muscles in your mouth learn to keep them in place. A denture adhesive can help increase confidence about wearing dentures. Denture adhesives can be worn for a short time and will help the dentures to stay in position while the muscles of the cheeks and tongue adjust to holding the denture securely in place. Speaking will at first seem difficult as you get used to the dentures, but with time improve. Eating may also seem more challenging; to start, cut food into small bites as you adjust to eating with your new dentures. Your dentist can provide you with all of the necessary instructions to make your transition to dentures as comfortable and smooth as possible.
Caring for Dentures Because dentures are not permanent fixtures in your mouth, you will need to take them out at least once a day to give your gums a rest. Most people remove their dentures at night. When your dentures are removed, place them in water or in a denture cleaning solution in a covered container. Like any oral device, your dentures need cleaned daily. Clean them thoroughly using specially designed denture brushes. Always visit your dentist if your dentures become uncomfortable or start slipping. Your dentist can re-adjust and refit the dentures. Do not attempt to repair your dentures yourself as this may damage the dentures and cause injury to your mouth. To help your dentures last-and keep them looking and fitting their best-follow these tips:
* Clean your dentures at least once a day using a denture brush and cleanser solution.
* Keep your dentures moist when you aren't wearing them by placing them in water or a denture solution.
* Never try to adjust your dentures yourself.
* Visit your dentist for repairs or discomfort. For whatever reason you've suffered tooth loss, you can have a peace of mind knowing your teeth can look and function normally with dentures. Talk to your North End dentist about your options if you are missing teeth.
Dr. William Maness and Dr. R.J. Chapman, dentists in North End Boston, work to provide exceptional care for patients of all ages at Lewis Wharf Dental Associates. The professional staff at Lewis Wharf Dental Associates provides services in bridges dentures, crowns, full mouth reconstruction and North End dental implants.
|
