|
|
|
|
Frequently
Asked Questions > Dentures
Whether you have worn dentures for some time
or are about to wear them for the first time,
you probably have many questions.
Dentures in one form or another have been
around for many years. The earliest recorded
use of dentures was more than 2000 years ago.
Today, dentures are better quality and more
comfortable than ever before.
Q: Why bother with dentures?
A: Replacing lost or missing
teeth has substantial benefits for your health
and appearance. A complete or full denture
replaces the natural teeth and provides support
for cheeks and lips. Without this support,
sagging facial muscles can make a person appear
older and reduce their ability to eat and
speak.
Q: What is a denture?
A: A denture is an appliance
which is worn to replace lost or missing teeth
to enable you to enjoy a healthy diet and
smile with confidence.
A complete or full denture is one that replaces
all of the natural teeth in either the upper
or lower jaws.
A partial denture fills in the spaces created
by lost or missing teeth and is attached to
your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices
called precision attachments.
Q: What are dentures made
of?
A: The base of a denture
is called a plate and can be made of either
acrylic (plastic) or metal. The teeth are
normally made of acrylic and can be made to
match your natural teeth. This is especially
important in the case of partial dentures.
Q: Will dentures make
me look different?
A: Dentures can be made to
closely resemble your natural teeth so that
little change in appearance will be noticeable.
Modern dentures may even improve the look
of your smile and help fill out the appearance
of your face.
Q: Will I be able to eat
with dentures?
A: Eating will take a little
practice. Start with soft foods cut into small
pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your
mouth at the same time to prevent the denture
from moving. As you become more used to your
denture, add other foods until you return
to your normal healthy diet.
Q: Will dentures change
how I speak?
A: Pronouncing certain words
may require practice. Reading out loud and
repeating difficult words will help. Over
time you will adjust and get used to it, so
don’t worry!
If you find that your dentures occasionally
slip when you laugh, cough or smile, reposition
the denture by gently biting down and swallowing.
If this continues consult your dentist.
Q: Will my sense of taste
be affected?
A: This is quite a common
worry, but the fact is that your teeth have
nothing to do with your sense of taste. Your
taste buds are mainly on your tongue and they
will still be there so eventually everything
will not taste too different. However, at
first food may not taste the same, as your
dentures will interfere with your taste buds
while your mouth adjusts to the feel of the
denture. Your ability to sense hot food and
drink may also be affected, so for a while
it is a good idea to avoid very hot food and
drinks, as you may burn yourself.
Q: How long should I wear
my dentures?
A: During the first few days,
you may be advised to wear them for most of
the time, including while you are asleep.
This will allow you to adjust to your new
dentures and let them settle in. After an
initial period of adjustment your dentist
may advise that you remove them before going
to bed. This allows your gums to rest and
helps promote oral health. If you decide to
keep them in overnight, it is important that
you clean them thoroughly before you go to
bed, just as you would natural teeth.
Q: Must I do anything
special to care for my mouth?
A: Even with full dentures,
you still need to take good care of your mouth.
Every morning and evening, brush your gums,
tongue and palate (roof of your mouth) with
a soft –bristled brush. This removes
plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth.
It is vitally important that partial denture
wearers brush their teeth thoroughly every
day to prevent tooth decay and gum disease
that can lead to further teeth being lost.
Q: What is the difference
between conventional and Immediate Dentures?
A: Conventional dentures
are made and inserted after teeth have been
removed and the tissues have healed. Healing
may take several months.
Immediate Dentures are inserted immediately
after teeth have been removed. To do this,
the dentist takes measurements and impressions
of your mouth during a preliminary visit
An advantage of Immediate Dentures is that
the wearer does not have to be without teeth
during the healing period. However, bone and
gums can shrink over time, especially during
the first six months after teeth have been
removed. When gums shrink, Immediate Dentures
may require relining or even replacing to
fit properly.
Q: What will dentures
feel like?
A: New dentures may feel
awkward or even uncomfortable for a few weeks
until you become accustomed to them. The dentures
may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek
and tongue learn to keep them in place. Should
this continue, consult your dentist.
It is not unusual to experience minor irritation
or soreness during this period. You may also
find that saliva flow temporarily increases.
As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures,
these problems should diminish. If any problems
persist, particularly irritation or soreness,
be sure to consult your dentist as soon as
possible and not wait for your regular check
up. Do not take your dentures out though,
leave them in, that way the dentist will be
able to see where it is sore and sort the
problem out quicker.
Q: How do I take care
of my dentures?
A: Dentures are very delicate
and may break if dropped. When cleaning dentures
it is recommended that you do so over a folded
towel or sink of water. When you are not wearing
your dentures, they should be stored in a
container containing enough water to cover
them.
Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed
daily to remove food debris and plaque. Brushing
helps prevent dentures becoming stained and
helps your mouth stay healthy. There are special
denture cleaning brushes available but a soft
bristled toothbrush can also be used. Avoid
using hard-bristled brushes, which can cause
damage.
The use of an effervescent denture cleaner
will help remove stubborn stains and leave
your denture feeling fresher.
Q: Can dentures be re-polished?
A: Yes they can. After considerable
use, dentures can become slightly dull and
rough. However, if you take them back to your
dentist, they can be re-polished and restored
to their original appearance.
Q: Will my dentures need to be
replaced?
A: Over a period of time,
dentures will need to be relined or re-made
due to normal wear or a change in the shape
of your mouth. Bone and gum ridges can recede
or shrink causing jaws to align differently.
Loose dentures can cause health problems,
including sores and infections not to mention
discomfort. A loose or ill-fitting denture
can also make eating and speaking more difficult.
It is important to replace worn or poorly
fitting dentures before they cause problems.
Q: How often should I
see my dentist?
A: Regular dental check-ups
and having your teeth professionally cleaned
are vital for maintaining healthy teeth and
gums, most dentists recommend that under normal
circumstances this should be done every 6
months. Full denture wearers should consult
their dentist as to frequency of visits.
With regular professional care, a positive
attitude and persistence, you can become one
of the millions of people who wear their dentures
with a smile.
|
|
| Afraid
of the dentist? Our Leeds dentist
provides sedation for nervous dental patients. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Leeds Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentists in Leeds, at Advance Dentist our dentists offer private dental treatment and cosmetic dentistry. Learn more about our cosmetic dentistry treatments including dental implants, teeth whitening, crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers, white fillings, missing teeth or broken tooth. Dr John Haworth and our Leeds dentists provide smile makeovers to improve your confidence, making you look and feel younger with cleaner teeth, whiter teeth and healthier teeth. If you have a dental emergency in Leeds, contact us immediately so we can arrange a dental appointment as soon as possible. Nervous patients, afraid of the dentist or scared of dental treatment, are welcomed and provided with the highest quality of care.
Site Map
Home
Email Us
About Us
Our Team
Real Patient Smile Makeovers
Phobic Patients
New Smiles for Phobic Patients
Cosmetic | Gaps & Spaces | Veneers | White Filling | Tooth Whitening
Smile Design
Dental Implants
Periodontal/ Gum Disease
Botox
Mercury Filling Removal
Preventive New Technology
Restorative | Crowns | Broken Teeth
Elderly Patients
Gum Contouring
Ozone
Fees
Non Surgical Facelift | Gaps & Spaces | Veneers | White Filling | Tooth Whitening | FAQs | Gallery 1 | Gallery 2 |
Gallery 3
Facial Aesthetics
FAQs
Map & Parking
Web Links
Relevant Links
Leeds
Dental School
Leeds
Leeds Dental Hospitals
About Yorkshire
Yorkshire, Northern England
Dental Implants
|
|
|
|
