Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning Instead of a Regular Dental Check-Up
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Slidell, LA
What to Expect When Getting Dentures
What to Expect When Getting Dentures
For many people, dentures can restore missing teeth and self-confidence. Many people find that maintaining and that a lifestyle after dentures is not difficult to manage. Preparation before getting dentures involves many things to consider, including proper cleaning, overnight storage, and what types of food to keep stocked in the pantry.
Dentures are available at Chandler Goltz, DMD in Slidell, and the surrounding area. Our team can help you learn more about dentures and how to prepare for them. Call us today at (985) 570-9103 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Foods to Buy Before the Procedure
Wearing dentures for the first time can take some time to get used to. New denture wearers should be careful with their food choices for a few weeks to ensure that their mouths adjust well. Initially, we recommend sticking with liquids and soft foods such as soups, smoothies, puddings, applesauce, and other liquefied food.
When people are ready to move on to solid foods, they should still avoid hard foods that can dislodge dentures or damage them. WebMD recommends cutting foods into small portions and chewing on both sides of the mouth rather than the front teeth. Avoid smoking and drinking staining foods and drinks since dentures can become discolored like natural teeth.
“New denture wearers should be careful with their food choices for a few weeks to ensure that their mouths adjust well.”
▣ Lifestyle Changes
New denture wearers will experience various lifestyle changes as they adjust to and maintain their appliances. People with new dentures will have to learn how to eat and speak again as the mouth muscles get used to the new feeling. It is normal to experience more saliva flow initially; however, this will fade over time as people get used to wearing dentures.
While speaking may also feel strange with dentures, practicing will help. Practicing will train the mouth muscles and build confidence in speaking with dentures. Other lifestyle changes include diet and oral hygiene routines to keep dentures clean and healthy.
“New denture wearers will experience various lifestyle changes as they adjust to and maintain their appliances.”
▣ Keeping Dentures Clean
Caring for removable dentures is a daily task that will help keep them looking, feeling, and functioning well. People should purchase a nonabrasive toothbrush before getting dentures. Along with always handling them with care, the Mayo Clinic recommends rinsing dentures after eating to remove any food particles and then cleaning one’s mouth with a soft toothbrush or cloth before replacing them.
Denture-wearers should also soak their dentures overnight. Moisture helps dentures retain their shape, so it is essential to soak them overnight. People should purchase a mild solution to soak their dentures in if they choose not to use water. Before placing dentures in the mouth, people should rinse them thoroughly, especially after using a soaking solution. This step is necessary to remove any harmful chemicals used in the solution.
“Caring for removable dentures is a daily task that will help keep them looking, feeling, and functioning well.”
▣ Set Expectations
People should set expectations for before and after getting dentures. The best way for people to set realistic expectations and mitigate worries is by educating themselves on life with dentures. While wearing dentures can help people eat more comfortably, speak more clearly, and boost self-confidence, they also require lifestyle changes. Dentures can affect various aspects of daily life, such as diet, speaking, and smiling. Fortunately, most of these changes are positive.
Once people have gotten used to the feeling of dentures in their mouths, they can experience the beneficial impacts on their daily lifestyle. Although new dentures can have many positive impacts on people’s lives, it’s important to remember the positive effects will take time. The first few months will involve a lot of learning and practice, so do not get frustrated when dentures are not perfect immediately. It is important for patients to maintain communication with our team to help ensure their dentures look and feel great.
“People should set expectations for before and after getting dentures.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there different types of dentures?
Dentures can take the place of some or all teeth. Those that replace all teeth are a complete set of dentures. Those that replace one or more teeth, such as a bridge, are known as partial dentures.
Can I wear my dentures while sleeping?
Yes, but it is not advised to do so regularly. Removing dentures overnight gives the jaw and gums time to relax after having to wear them all day. If leaving them in overnight, be sure to remove them and clean them thoroughly at some point.
Will I experience any difficulty eating with dentures?
People should eat softer foods at first until they get used to how their dentures feel and work. They can slowly introduce harder and sticky foods once they are comfortable with them. We recommend avoiding any excessively chewy, tough, or sticky food, as they may dislodge or damage your dentures.
Why do my dentures move while eating?
If dentures move while eating, it may be due to ill-fitting dentures or a lack of adhesive. People who have had their dentures for a while may need a reline. We work with our patients to ensure that their dentures fit properly.
Why does adhesive make it hard to remove my dentures?
If adhesive is making it difficult to remove dentures, then there may be an excessive amount used. When removing dentures, most of the adhesive should already have dissolved. If there is excess adhesive remaining, use a smaller amount. Only three to four dabs of adhesive should go on each denture.
Denture Terminology
▣ Alveolar Bone
The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.
▣ Clasp
A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.
▣ Denture Base
The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
▣ Edentulous
Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.
▣ Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
▣ Pontic
Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.
▣ Rebase
Rebase is the process of refitting denture prosthesis by replacing the base material.
▣ Reline
Reline is when a professional resurfaces the surface of the prosthesis with a new base material.
▣ Resin/Acrylic
Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.
