What is a denture?

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent supportive tissues.
It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.
Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.

Kinds of dentures

Complete dentures are either conventional or immediate.
A conventional denture is placed in the mouth about a month or two after all the teeth are removed. We wait so long so to allow tissues to be healed.
On the other hand an immediate denture is placed immediate after the extractions or it is prepared before and the day we finish with the extractions, the patient can leave the office not anymore without teeth but actually with all his/hers new teeth.

Importance of dentures

A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. Additionally it enhances the appearance and smile.

Advice for denture wearers

1. New denture wearers need time to get accustomed to their new teeth, because even the best fitting dentures will be feel awkward at first.

2. Also for the new denture wearers it is normal some discomfort with eating for several days to a few weeks. They might need a few appointments for post insertion adjustments.

3. To prevent breaking denture, brush it over a towel or sink half-filled with water. Lightly brush dentures with soft nylon toothbrush or recommended denture brush. Dentures should be cleaned daily because plaque forms on dentures the same way it forms on natural teeth.

4. Place denture in a cleanser overnight or for at least 20 minutes daily. This should remove most stains and keep mouth infections and odors down.

5. Massage your gums daily with a soft tooth brush for one minute once daily or as directed.

6. Do not forget your dental check-ups, very important for checking your mouth and the fit of denture.

7. Avoid chewing sideways with dentures; instead prefer chewing straight up and down.