But what is recommending for looking after dentures and what is involved in getting them fitted?
Getting your dentures fitted
Your dentist will start the process by taking measurements, producing several moulds of your mouth and then ordering full or partial dentures—depending on your need—from a dental technician. The technician will provide you with trial dentures without the need for another visit to the dentist; the shape and colour of these can be adjusted before the final dentures are made. Full dentures will usually be fitted immediately after teeth are removed—the gums and bone might change in shape after this is done, meaning that the dentures may need altering after several months. In some occasions, your gums might need to be left to heal for a while before dentures can be fitted. Partial dentures usually clip securely into place on natural teeth with metal clasps; they can be removed—or unclipped—very easily.
If your dentures fit correctly, you will find there’s no need to use adhesive. However in some cases—when your jawbone or gums have shrunk—denture fixative might be the only way forward. If this is the case, your dentist will advise you on the best steps to take in looking after your dentures. Some people tend to feel more confident when they use adhesive; according to NHS Choices it’s best to use it sparingly and to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Once applied, adhesive may be removed by brushing the dentures with soapy water—remnants in the mouth might need to be cleaned with a clean, damp flannel.
Having dentures might take some getting used to and the first few meals will seem a bit strange. At the very beginning, you should try to eat soft foods cut into small pieces, chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth. It’s important to avoid chewing gum and foods that have sharp edges, and are sticky or hard. As time goes on you’ll be able to revert back to your normal diet.
See also: Oral Health
Looking after dentures
Oral hygiene is just as important when you wear dentures—brush your remaining natural teeth, gums and tongue at least twice a day. NHS Choices recommends looking after dentures using fluoride toothpaste to fight tooth decay, gum disease and other conditions. Your dentist will advise you on whether it’s necessary to remove the dentures at night: this isn’t always mandatory, but it can help your gums rest as you sleep. If your dental technician recommends removing them, they should be kept moist in water, a polythene bag with dampened cotton wool in it, or in a tailored cleaning solution. As with natural teeth, it’s vital to regularly clean plaque from dentures—failing to do so may result in bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. In regards to properly looking after dentures; they should be cleaned at least twice a day by brushing them with toothpaste (or soapy water) and soaking them in a solution of denture-cleaning tablets to remove various stains and bacteria. Clean them over a bowl filled with water using a soft towel—dentures may break if dropped, so it is advisable to handle them with care.
If you prioritise looking after dentures and take good care of them, your dentures should last several years—though your gums and jawbone will eventually shrink over time, meaning you might need to get new dentures or start using adhesive. It is therefore vital that you continue to pay your dentist regular visits so they can check for problems.
You should visit your dentist if…
- Your dentures click when you’re talking
- Your dentures slip or no longer fit properly
- Your dentures feel uncomfortable or give you pain
- Your dentures are visibly worn
- You have signs of gum disease or tooth decay
If you have enjoyed this article on looking after dentures, click here to read more on Celebrity Angels about keeping teeth healthy and pain free for life.
