Denture Care
YOUR NEW DENTURES
Whether this is your first denture or your tenth, you will find that adjusting to your new denture will probably take some time. Everyone hears about a friend or relative who had absolutely no troubles at all with a new denture, never had it adjusted and can eat anything they want. If you ask any dentist, you will find that these people, unfortunately, are in the minority.
A new denture that replaces one you have had for many years may be very difficult to get used to. This is because the mouth and jaws have adapted to the old one and even though it may be ill-fitting you have gotten used to it. This may make it difficult for the gums to adapt and get used to a new proper fitting denture.
When you start to wear your new dentures, you will be conscious of many things about your mouth. It will take 2 to 3 days for the gums to adapt to the different pressures the new dentures place on them. After 2 to three days the dentures will start to feel as though they are “settling in”, and retention and stability will increase. Using adhesives during this “breaking-in” period will make the dentures more comfortable, however use as little as possible during the first 2 to 3 days so the adhesives will not interfere with the denture adapting to the gums. A full lower denture is much more difficult to get used to than an upper and you may need to continue to use adhesives, especially if you have a severely resorbed ridge or poor muscle control of your tongue and cheeks.
Your success in wearing your new dentures depends more upon you than any other factor. If you meet the challenge with determination, you will be surprised at the short amount of time it will take to achieve success. Following these helpful hints will help ensure success with your dentures.
PATIENCE - Learning to wear a denture takes time. Follow the advice of your dentist and don’t become discouraged. Don’t listen to friends who tell you how easy it was for them. Each case is different.
LOWERS - A lower denture usually takes far longer to master than an upper denture. Your facial muscles and tongue are constantly moving the denture. Take your time and don’t worry if your tongue feels strange or restricted. It will soon accustom itself to the new position.
EATING - Don’t take large bites at first. Cut all food into small portions. Attempt to chew evenly on both sides to “balance” the denture. Do not bite into food directly with the front teeth, bite off to the side to help stabilize the denture. Slice very hard foods like apples and corn on the cob first to help preserve your natural ridge.
SPEECH - If you have a tendency to slur your words, or your speech seems difficult, practice reading aloud or speaking in front of a mirror. Counting out loud will help the tongue retrain itself, especially the thirties, fifties and sixties. It may take several weeks for your speech to return to normal.
CLEANING - An unclean denture is unhealthy, unattractive and uncomfortable. Your denture will form plaque and tarter just like natural teeth. It is healthier to remove your denture at night (keep them in water or a soaking solution). Never use household cleaners on your dentures.
ADHESIVES - In the best case scenario, with proper ridge form, muscle control and fit of denture, a satisfactory result may be obtained without the use of any adhesives. This may be true for many people, however, others find it more comfortable or necessary to use small amounts of adhesive.
SORE SPOTS - If you experience some sore spots with your new denture we will need to adjust them here at our office. The fee quoted you includes up to five adjustments at no additional charge to you for up to three months after delivery of your denture.
TISSUE CHANGE - Your gum tissue changes daily; your denture does not. It is important to visit our office regularly for a denture checkup. Periodically, you denture may need a reline. An ill-fitting denture may be harmful to your health. If you have an Immediate Denture it may be necessary to have it relined after you are totally healed from surgery.
I hope this will help make your transition to dentures more tolerable please do not hesitate to call with any questions.
