Denture Facts
A Dozen Facts Everyone Should
Know About Dentures
Whether you’re seeking information about dentures for a loved
one or for yourself, it’s important that you know the facts.
The following information, compiled in cooperation with the Canadian
Dental Association, offers the basic facts about dentures.
Facts
Fact 1:
Dentures don’t last forever.
Nothing does. And while it’s true that the modern denture is
more durable than ever before, you can still break a tooth or the
denture base by simply dropping them a few inches. Even with painstaking
care, denture teeth can lose their natural appearance and chewing
ability due to the cumulative effects of chewing, brushing and age.
Plus, your mouth changes over time. These gradual changes, coupled
with the gradual changes in your denture, explain why you should
visit your denture professional regularly. Your dental professional
will look for:
- looseness caused by tissue changes
- bad odor caused by absorption of fluid
and bacteria
- color change due to age or reaction to
mouth fluids
- stains and calculus deposits resulting
from mouth fluids. As a result, you can expect your denture professional
to recommend replacing or refitting your dentures every 5 to 7
years.
Fact 2:
Even if your dentures fit perfectly, you should still see a denture
professional regularly.
Why? Mouth tissues can reveal signs of diseases, such as diabetes,
that first manifest themselves in the mouth. Besides checking your
dentures, denture professionals will also check for signs of oral
cancer and other diseases, and examine your gum ridges, tongue and
jaw joints. If any concerns are noticed the appropriate medical
or dental referral will be arranged.
Fact 3:
No one has to know you’re wearing dentures.
No one wants a denture that looks like a "denture." Unlike
old-fashioned dentures, which may look unnatural, today’s denture
can be made just for you, allowing you to look and feel better without
anyone knowing why. Denture professionals use their experience and
knowledge to select and arrange teeth in a manner that creates the
warm, natural smile you seek. Dentures help you to lose that sunken
look in your lower face, as well as the wrinkles around your mouth.
You’ll likely look younger and smile more often.
Fact 4:
Denture wearers can eat more normally.
In many cases, denture-wearers discover they can once again eat
the foods they love. While not all denture wearers can eat everything
they would like, many have few restrictions in their diets. Moreover,
they chew more thoroughly, leading to improved digestion and nutrition.
And properly fitting dentures may actually encourage you to eat
a more varied and well-balanced diet, further improving your overall
health.
Fact 5:
Denture wearers can speak more clearly.
The ability to speak clearly depends on subtle interactions involving
your tongue, teeth, lips, cheeks and the roof of your mouth. A denture
that’s properly fitted allows all five components to work together
properly.
Fact 6:
Denture adhesives can play a role in your denture's fit and comfort.
Dentures are made to fit precisely and usually do not require regular
use of an adhesive for comfort. That said, even people with properly
fitting dentures may find an adhesive product provides extra security
and peace of mind, especially for important occasions. And many
people assert that adhesives increase the performance of even the
best-fitting dentures. However, if your dentures begin to feel loose
or cause pronounced discomfort, see your denture professional immediately.
Some patients have extensive bone loss (ridge shrinkage) and consider
themselves "dental cripples." These patients may need
to use adhesives daily with their dentures. Denture hygiene plays
an extremely important role in preventing problems in this situation.
Fact 7:
Over-the-counter and prescription medications can affect dentures.
Drugs can affect denture fit and wearability. For example, certain
medications can reduce the supply of saliva in your mouth, making
it difficult to swallow or to chew. Be sure to let your denture
professional know of any medications you may be taking regularly
– or even occasionally.
Fact 8:
Most denture professionals have a heart. Don’t assume regular
denture care is too costly.
Before deciding that regular denture care are too costly, discuss
the situation with your dental professional. Be frank. Ask about
charges for denture adjustments, repairs and possible replacement.
Keep in mind that if your are in your 60s, you are likely to have
20 more years of talking, eating, and smiling. Your oral health
is a vital part of your total health.
Fact 9:
Never try to make your own denture repairs.
Do not try to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Denture self-repair
can cause irreparable damage and may result in the need for a new
denture. Even do-it-yourself reliners can be bulky, causing increased
pressure on the jaw and more rapid loss of jawbone, and they can
irritate the soft tissues of your mouth.
Fact 10:
With planning, denture corrections can often be made in one day.
Advances in modern dentistry have made it possible for your denture
professional to reline or repair dentures quickly—often right
in the office. If you let your denture professional know you are
in need of a denture repair, the correction can often be made on
the same day and sometimes while you wait.
Fact 11:
Don’t avoid replacing your denture just because you don’t
want to go through another long adjustment period.
With your first denture, you learned the basics – from eating
and speaking with it to simply wearing it. While there will be a
period of adjustment with a replacement denture, it is usually shorter
– and easier – than the first time. Regardless, it’s
important that you do it. Prolonged use of ill-fitting dentures
can irritate the gums, tongue and cheek, and even cause the ridges
of your mouth to shrink to the point where it is almost impossible
to fit you with normal dentures. Your ability to chew may decrease
and your face may acquire deep aging lines and wrinkles. When you
look at the big picture, the temporary adjustment period is a small
price to pay.
Fact 12:
All dentures are not created equal. If you look for the lowest price,
you’ll get what you pay for.
Remember, you get what you pay for. Self-fitting
dentures, which are sometimes offered for "discount" prices,
may not fit as well, or be as well prepared, and therefore can lead
to serious health problems. A denture professional will make sure
your denture features premium long-wearing, low-staining teeth and
high impact acrylic denture base. So see your denture professional
and ask for these premium quality denture materials.
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