Dentures: Everything you need to know
When your smile isn’t what it used to be, your self-confidence can take a knock. Comfortable, natural-looking dentures can make a world of difference, but getting dentures for the first time can be daunting. Where do you start?
To make the process a bit smoother, we asked several New Zealand denture experts to answer the most commonly-asked questions about dentures.
What are dentures and who typically needs them?
Dentures are prosthetic devices which replace missing teeth, so are required by people from many walks of life. They are made of acrylic, nylon or metal which can be fitted over the gums to improve chewing and enhance aesthetics.
What are full and partial dentures?
Full dentures replace both upper and lower arches. Partial dentures replace missing teeth with some natural teeth remaining.
What are immediate dentures?
This is where the dentures are made before the patient’s teeth are removed. This allows them to not ‘go gummy’ or go with a missing tooth. Instead they can have the tooth removed and the denture placed at the same time.
How long does it take to adjust to new dentures?
Depending on tissue sensitivity, dentures usually settle in within several days. In some cases, patients may require adjustments top their dentures due to some tight-fitting areas caused by the pressure of new prosthesis.
What does ‘relining’ a denture mean and is it done regularly?
Most dentures fit well when made but over time, they will become loose and may irritate areas of your mouth. This usually can be resolved by having them adjusted or relined by the clinician.
Implants may also be connected to loose dentures to help alleviate the frustration they cause. Locator-retained dentures are ideal for this, where surgically-implanted metal implants lock onto the denture. These implants are typically placed in the lower jaw because the upper jaw bone structure provides a more stable surface for the denture to rest upon.
How long do dentures last?
If you take care of your dentures, you should be able to use them for five or seven years before they need replacing. Over time, due to wear, your dentures will need to be relined, remade or rebased, which means making a new base while keeping the existing teeth.
As you age, your mouth naturally changes. This causes your dentures to loosen, making chewing difficult and irritating your gums. At a minimum, see your dentist annually for a check up.
How can you extend the life of your dentures?
As with any physical aid, there will be wear and tear over time. To avoid unnecessary costs, keeping dentures in top shape will help extend their use. Tips for denture care:
■ Clean daily: Brush dentures like your teeth, but skip the toothpaste, as it can damage dentures. Instead, use a soft-bristle denture brush and water to clean the surface. Rinse dentures with water after each meal. Specialised cleaners can be bought for soaking, but are no substitute for brushing, which removes plaque.
■ Treat dentures right: When handling dentures, fill the sink with water or place a folded towel in it so they don’t break if they fall in. If you aren’t wearing them, soak in cool water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent drying out. Beware of cleaning solutions if there’s metal in your dentures, as these could tarnish it. Don’t soak dentures in hot water – they could warp. Remove dentures at night to allow your gums to rest.