Dentures
Information for you
A denture's purpose is to replace missing teeth. There are different types of dentures and you and your dentist will discuss which would be a best fit for you. Without tooth replacement you can be at risk for a change in the way your bite comes together due to neighboring teeth drifting and/or opposing teeth drifting up or down into the empty space.
To make this appliance we take impressions (moulds) of your teeth which we use to create a stone model. This model replica of your teeth is sent to a dental lab where they will fabricate a custom appliance and send it back to be delivered to you. The dentist will ensure proper fit, adjust your appliance if necessary and give you direction on how to care for it at home.​
Denture Care
Clean
Rinse and brush after each use with separate toothbrush using water or a mild detergent like dish soap.
Soak
Soaking occasionally for short periods of time is OK with denture or similar appliance cleaner designed for such use
Store
Keep your denture stored in the case provided when not in use
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NEVER:
- use toothpaste to clean
- wrap in napkins
- leave out near pets
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DENTURE WEARERS AND THE GAG REFLEX
Some new denture wearers exhibit a gag reflex, which is not related to any flaw in the denture construction. This reflex can be controlled and eventually diminished if the following rules are followed. · Avoid all forms of chemical stimulants or irritants for several days before beginning to wear your new dentures. These include nicotine(smokers), alcoholic beverages, caffeine (coffee, tea, many carbonated beverages) · Begin wearing your dentures while your stomach is empty of foods and liquids for at least 8-12 hours. · Begin wearing your dentures in a private environment to eliminate the stress of public viewing. · If retching does occur, persevere. The reflex is controlled by neurotransmitter chemicals in your nervous system. Eventually the reflex weakens and disappears as the chemical supply is depleted. The reflex is worst for the first 30-60 min and becomes less frequent and less exaggerated as time passes. · Practice slow, deep and controlled breathing. · Suck on small ice chips. · If retching does occur, leave the dentures in your mouth. Repeated removal and replacement can heighten the reflex and delay the desensitization.
EATING WITH YOUR NEW DENTURES
Perhaps the greatest challenge your will face with your new dentures is learning how to chew and eat. The new bite may not feel completely comfortable for a period of days. We will adjust the denture as needed, It has been shown that eating with dentures is at best only 25% as effective as eating with natural teeth. After receiving your dentures, it is advisable that you plan to eat a soft diet in the first few weeks until you get more comfortable with the denture. Such as well-cooked vegetables, tender or ground meats, casseroles, pastas etc. When eating with the dentures it is best to avoid foods that need to be bitten into. The front teeth are placed in the denture for appearance only. Tearing or biting food off with the front teeth tends to unseat dentures. Instead cut up foods such as apples, corn on the cob and chew with your back teeth. Typically, with your natural teeth you chew on one side. With dentures doing this will cause the denture to tip from side to side, divide the food in your mouth, so that there is food on both sides and attempt to chew with a straight up and down motion. Extra chewing is required with dentures, therefore take small bites and chew each bite thoroughly and slowly.
SELECTING FOOD TO EAT
Denture wearers must give special consideration to certain types of food. Lettuce and other leafy vegetables tend to adhere to the polished denture surface. Raw vegetables, fibrous meats, and sticky or doughy foods should be avoided. Vegetables should be cooked. Celery stalks and large pieces of raw carrot are difficult to chew. Slice celery and carrots into thin wafers. Doughy foods, such as breads will stick to dentures and should be eaten in conjunction with liquid. You may want to toast your bread. Some liquids may present a problem. Many people momentarily hold liquids and beverages in their mouth before swallowing for the purpose of enjoying the taste. This action can loosen the lower denture by causing it to float off the underlying tissues. Such a habit should be avoided.