Article by Aztech Dental Laboratory
Dentures are just removable false teeth. They fit on your gums snugly to replace gaps in your mouth, whether it is just a few (partial dentures) or your whole mouth (complete dentures). They can help with so many things including eating, speech and appearance. However, there are a lot of things people worry about and don’t know the answers to when it comes to dentures, these are the 10 most common questions answered.
Can I Remove Them?
Dentures can be removed very easily but it is important to do so in the correct way to prevent breakages and damage. When taking them off it is a good idea to do so over a sink filled with water so if they were to be dropped accidentally, they would remain intact. To remove your top dentures, you should press your thumb against the inside of your front teeth, then push up and outwards. For the bottom set, pull them slowly in a rocking motion, ensuring you only use your fingers and no other tools, including fingernails.
Will They Change The Shape of My Face?
When you start to lose your teeth your face structure will change, it can cause your chin and nose to grow closer together. Dentures will help keep that distance between your nose and chin so you can keep your natural look.
Can Dentures Be Repaired?
Yes, dentures can be repaired but depending on how they are broken will determine whether you can do it yourself or if your dentist needs to do it. If it is just the tooth that has come off this can be superglued back on however, going back to your dentist will provide a more long term solution. If your denture has cracked, then do not try to repair this yourself, go to your dentist. Here at Aztech Dental, we specialise in denture repairs.
Can I Wear Them At Night?
In the first few weeks, you should wear your dentures at night as it is one of the most effective was of determining whether the denture needs adjustment. After this, you should not wear them at night at all as it helps to give your gums a rest and avoids infection. When you aren’t wearing them at night you can put them in a glass of water, in a polythene bag with damp cotton wool or in a denture cleaning solution.
How Do I Clean My Dentures?
After eating you should run water over your dentures to get rid of food debris. As well as this they should be brushed at least daily with a soft toothbrush and some denture cleanser.
Can They Be Whitened?
No, dentures are not normal teeth and won’t respond to whitening products. They are made in a specific shade which can’t be changed, by attempting to whiten them, it can actually just damage them more. Over time your dentures may become discoloured just like regular teeth, in this case, they may be able to be professionally cleaned to return to the original colour.
How Are Dentures Fitted?
The process of getting dentures usually involves your teeth getting removed. However, they will be fitted straight after this so that you won’t have to go without teeth. Prior to your fitting, a mould of your mouth is taken to ensure it is made specifically for you.
Are They Comfortable?
It is normal for them to feel a bit strange at first, it will take some getting used to but over time your muscles will learn to keep them in place. If they don’t start to feel comfortable with time or even get more uncomfortable them contact your dentist.
Will My Speech Be Affected?
Wearing dentures takes time to get used to when wearing them your tongue will move around your mouth differently and you may have to re-learn how to speak but you will be back to normal in no time.
Can I Eat and Drink Like Normal?
At first, it is recommended to stick with softer foods and avoid anything hard or chewy. After a while, you can resume your normal diet but eating on both sides of your mouth and avoiding chewing gum and toffee are always recommended. For more information about this, we have written a guide on foods to avoid with dentures.
Contact Us Today
If you have any further questions about your dentures then feel free to get in touch, you can call us on 0116 2876 314 or fill out our online contact form and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
