Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that could be easily taken out and worn within your mouth. Dentures would take some time to get used to and would not feel just the same as natural teeth

 However, most of the dentures available today look similar to natural teeth and offer comfort.

There are two main types of dentures – Full dentures and partial dentures. The dentist would help you pick the type of denture that is best for you based on if some or all of the teeth would be replaced and the cost involved in it.

How do Dentures work?

When it comes to full dentures, a flesh-coloured acrylic base fits over the gums. The base of the denture would cover the palate (roof of the mouth for upper dentures) while the lower denture would have a different shape to accommodate the tongue.

Dentures are usually custom-made in a dental lab from impressions taken from your mouth. The dentist would determine the types of dentures that would be ideal for you.

• Conventional full dentures: It is placed in the mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and the tissues get healed. Healing it would take a few months during which you wouldn’t be having teeth.

• Immediate full dentures: An immediate full denture would be inserted immediately after the remaining teeth get removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the jaw during a prior visit. These dentures offer the benefit of not having to be without teeth. They should be relcin3d several months after they are inserted. The reason is that the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as they heal which might cause the dentures to be loose.

• Partial Dentures: It rests on a metal framework that attaches to the natural teeth. Crowns are placed on some of the natural teeth as it serves as anchors for the denture. They also have a removable alternative when it comes to bridges.

Getting used to dentures 

New dentures might feel awkward and uncomfortable for the first few weeks or months. Eating and speaking with the help of dentures would take some practice. A loose or bulky feeling is not uncommon when the muscles of the cheeks and tongue would eventually hold the dentures in place. There would be an excessive flow of saliva, the feeling that the tongue doesn’t have enough room and minor soreness or irritation is not unusual. If you get irritation, you should see the dentist.

Have a look at some of the tips to care for your dentures.

• When you are handling the dentures, have a folded towel or basin of water. Dentures could be delicate and might break if dropped.

• Never allow the dentures to dry out. It’s best to place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or plain water when you do not wear them. Never make use of hot water that can cause them to warp.

• Brushing the dentures every day would remove food deposits and plaque and could help prevent them from being stained. An ultrasonic cleaner would be used to care for dentures but it will not replace a thorough daily brushing.

• Brush the tongue, gums and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before the dentures are placed. This would stimulate the circulation in the tissues and help remove plaque.

• See the dentist if the dentures chip, break, crack or become loose. Do not be tempted to adjust them all by yourself. If you try this, it would damage them beyond repair.