How Do Removable Dentures Work?

By definition, you can take removable dentures in and out of your mouth. Sometimes called false teeth, dentures have porcelain, nylon or resin teeth with a pink base material designed to look like your natural gums. However, there are several removable options, each with different features.

Complete or Full Dentures

Complete dentures are a full arch of false teeth. These are the more traditional dentures you may think of and are commonly used to replace all your teeth. The dentures sit on your gums and press against the roof of your mouth or lower jaw to stay in place.

You may need denture glue to help secure the teeth, but you can take these out at night to clean them or to take a break from wearing them.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace one or a few teeth and have a natural appearance that looks like your gums and teeth. These appliances often have a metal frame and clasps or other less visible connectors that fit over your teeth and hold the denture in place.

Some partial dentures use precision attachments instead of clasps for an enhanced, subtle look. You can easily take partial dentures in and out of your mouth.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are sometimes called same-day dentures and are often temporary appliances you receive after implant surgery. Your dentist or surgeon may install implants and send you home with teeth you can wear right away. In some cases, you might wear these for several months until your gums heal and you can get permanent dentures.

Implant-Retained Dentures

Sometimes called overdentures or snap-on dentures, implant–retained dentures are removable appliances that stay in place with screws. You screw the denture into the implant, which holds it in place and provides better stability than traditional dentures.

Depending on your teeth and gums, you may have between two and six implants. You can remove these dentures for cleaning or to take a break.

Who Should Wear Removable Dentures?

These appliances are most suitable for those who do not have healthy jawbones to support implants, only need to replace a few teeth or need a temporary option. Without them, missing or lost teeth causes gaps in your smile and leads to sagging facial muscles, changing your appearance. Removable dentures transform your smile and improve your speech and oral function.

Restore Your Smile with BB Dental Studio

Choosing the right denture option depends on your teeth, gums, and health. That is why Dr. Sara and the BB Dental Studio team tailor your treatment plan based on your health and goals and with a combination of art, science and technology.

At BB Dental Studio, details matter, from precision dental care to comfort and atmosphere. Experience a concierge approach with personal touches and a luxurious environment. Schedule an appointment to learn about your options.

The post How do Removable Dentures Work? first appeared on BB Dental Studio.

Practice, practice, practice!

If you have been missing teeth for a while, it may feel awkward to have a dentures in your mouth immediately. At first, you might feel self-conscious about what you look like, especially when you talk. You might even experience some discomfort or fullness as you get used to having the denture in your mouth.

Practice by simply smiling in the mirror – please do not be afraid to show off your new pearly whites! Look at your reflection when you speak. If you feel awkward about how your dentures look when you speak, practice speaking in the privacy of your own home or with loved ones to help you get used to the new sensations in your mouth and around your existing teeth.

Use adhesive

A good adhesive will keep your dentures in place as you smile, speak and eat. You may have to experiment with different adhesives to find the best fit for you, but finding an adhesive that works for your lifestyle will bring confidence to your new smile, and help you feel at ease with wearing them.

Stick with soft foods

Avoid crunchy or hard foods for the first few weeks after getting your dentures as you are getting used to them. Overly spicy or salty foods can irritate your gums, especially if you recently lost teeth. Cut meat and other chewy foods into smaller pieces.

Be sure to focus on healthy foods, as good nutrition will help you heal from any dental procedures or dental health problems you experienced before getting your new dentures. Scrambled eggs, pasta, yogurt and mashed potatoes are all good choices.

Follow any recovery and aftercare guidelines your dentist may provide

If you had any teeth removed or are recovering from any other dental procedure, your dentist may provide you with guidelines to improve healing and help you adjust to your new dentures. These instructions are especially important if you now have an All-on-4 or other dental implants.

Remove your dentures periodically

Your dentist will also provide you with guidelines on how long you should wear your new dentures each day. Taking a periodic break, such as every 4 hours, helps prevent irritation or sores (hot spots) in your mouth. Depending on the type of dentures you have, the guidelines may recommend soaking your dentures in water or a mild soaking solution – you might find that you adjust to your new dentures more quickly and sleep better at night.

Address discomfort

New dentures can sometimes cause discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can usually ease this discomfort; eating cold foods can also help. If you develop a hot spot, try a saltwater rinse to keep the sore clean.

Take good care of your dentures, gums, and natural teeth

Brush your dentures at least once a day; use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Soak your dentures in water or a mild cleaning solution overnight.

If you have partial dentures, you will still need to brush your natural teeth twice a day and floss them once daily. Protect your oral health by rinsing with a non-alcoholic mouthwash.

See your dentist as needed and as recommended

Contact your dentist if your dentures still feel loose or are causing pain a few weeks after you receive them.

Our dentist can provide you with more tips for coping with your new dentures. We can also make sure that your dentures continue to fit correctly throughout the years and look for potential problems.

For more information on dentures and ways to adjust to them quickly and comfortably, connect with our family dentist in Roseville. BB Dental Studio offers prosthodontics of all sorts to replace missing teeth, such as All-on-4 dental implants, dentures and partial dentures. Schedule an appointment today!

The post Tips for Adjusting to Your New Dentures first appeared on BB Dental Studio.