Q:
Is it usual to develop a sore spot under my dentures?
A:
If you are experiencing recurring sore spots with your existing denture it may be a sign that the gum has changed and it’s time for a new denture or a reline. With new dentures, sore spots are normal and can be relieved by a few small adjustments. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the new dentures, the sore spots should gradually lessen. Since your natural gums were not meant to have hard plastic resting on them, as dentures do, it may take some time to adjust to new dentures, but with the help of your denturist these minor adjustments will allow for the best fit of your dentures.
Q:
Will dentures affect my speech?
A:
At first you may notice that some words will sound a bit different from what you are used to. The first week of your new dentures you will need to practice your speech to allow for your tongue and muscles around the mouth get used to the shape of the dentures. As you get more comfortable, your speech will go back to normal.
Q:
How long will my new dentures last?
A:
The official life-span of dentures is 5 years. This may differ based on personal habits, oral care as well as how you care for your dentures. Dentures should be relined once in two years, particularly lower dentures, to ensure best fit to your constantly changing gums. This will also prolong the life of the dentures as the denturist will ensure that there are no excessive forces being placed on the dentures which may have resulted from the change in your mouth and could break the dentures. For most patient, replacing the dentures should be considered in 5-8 years.
Q:
How often should I have my dentures checked?
A:
Ideally, you should make an appointment to have your dentures checked once a year to ensure proper fit. At this time, the denturist can check the fit and clean and re-polish dentures to help them stay looking great. It is especially important for patients with a partial denture to come in and have the denture clasps checked and adjusted to keep the denture firmly in the mouth.
Q:
Can my new dentures mimic the look of my natural teeth?
A:
Within the limits of your mouth, we can make your new dentures look straight and symmetrical and give you a “perfect smile”. If you would like to have a more natural look, we can arrange the teeth to look more asymmetrical and slightly tilted to allow them to look as natural and original as you want to. If you opt for a more natural look, you are welcome to bring photos of your natural smile to help us customize the arrangement of the teeth.
Q:
Why do I need to take my dentures out when I sleep?
A:
As you go to sleep your gums need to get a rest. Taking dentures out at night will provide the natural tissue in the mouth with time to slough off dead cells just as the rest of the skin does. It also removes pressure from the tissue which improves blood circulation to the bone. As comfortable as dentures may be, they are still a foreign object and the mouth needs a rest to stay healthy. Imagine keeping your shoes on all day and night.
Q:
How do I clean my gums under the denture?
A:
Even though you may have no natural teeth left, your mouth still needs to be cleaned as if there were teeth there. Simply massaging and then
brushing your gums twice a day with a soft bristle brush and toothpaste will help keep them in good shape and will help the tissues stay firm. This, in turn, creates a sound base for the denture to rest on and aids in the stability of the prosthesis.