A Beginner’s Guide to Removable Dentures
Congrats on getting new removable dentures! A tried and true solution for replacing missing teeth, offer a way to restore your smile’s appearance, improve chewing functionality, and enhance overall oral health. Now, our Canton, MI, dentists know that dentures can feel awkward at first. That’s why we’re here to walk you through how you can ease into your new life with this popular dental prosthetic.
Here’s what you need to know about .
What Are Removable Dentures?
It’s likely that you may already be familiar with the basic concept of dentures but in case you’re not, they are dental appliances that are designed to replace missing teeth. Depending on what you need, dentures come in two main types: complete or full dentures for when all teeth are missing and partial dentures for when some natural teeth remain.
Learn More → The Life-Changing Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth
Made from a combination of acrylic resin and sometimes porcelain, dentures are crafted to fit comfortably over the gums, replicating the look and function of natural teeth. After a thorough examination, our dentists and team can select the right type of dentures that suits your smile best.
Benefits of Removable Dentures
When you choose removable dentures, there are several notable advantages. Firstly, they significantly improve your ability to chew, allowing for a more varied diet and better nutrition. Say goodbye to only chewing on one side of your mouth or being relegated to the softest foods.
Secondly, dentures help in speech clarity, especially if the missing teeth previously affected your pronunciation. Aesthetically, they fill out the facial profile and restore a natural-looking smile, boosting confidence and self-esteem. Dentures are also a less intensive solution compared to other restorations that involve oral surgery such as dental implants, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper care is essential for maintaining the hygiene and durability of your dentures. You’ll need to take them out and practice daily cleaning to remove food particles and plaque. Our dentists recommend using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for dentures.
Avoid using regular toothpaste, especially those that are for whitening or contain abrasive ingredients as those can damage the surface of the denture. When not in use, keep your dentures moist and prevent warping by placing them in a glass of water or denture solution to soak. We also encourage you to come into our Canton, MI, dental office for regular check-ups with our dentists so we can check the fit of your dentures and address any issues promptly.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
takes time and patience. In terms of diet, we recommend you start with soft foods that are cut into small pieces. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually introduce more challenging foods. You can also refine your way of speaking with the dentures in by practicing words and phrases at home in the mirror. That way, you can adjust to the feel of the dentures and improve speech clarity.
Most patients who have gotten full dentures find that it takes an adjustment period of about 30 days to feel the most comfortable. Now, if you only have a partial denture that has replaced a few teeth instead of a full arch, your timeline may be quicker. Inserting and removing the appliance will still take some practice regardless of the denture type.
Additionally, it’s natural to experience soreness, excessive salivation, and tight facial muscles during the first few weeks that you start wearing dentures. By day 14, these side effects should have lessened and regular activities like eating may start to become easier. Don’t feel discouraged, however, if eating or speaking still feels awkward at this point.
Please let our dentists know if your discomfort remains constant throughout this time. We’ll ask that you come into the office so we can take a look and make adjustments as necessary to improve your comfort level.
Ask Us About Dentures for Your Smile
With proper care and adjustment, dentures from our , can significantly improve your quality of life. If you have further questions or would like to explore if dentures are right for you, call Hometown Dental today at (734) 667-4941 or contact us online to request an appointment.