The 6 Most Common Questions About Dentures

A healthy mouth begins with healthy teeth. Not having a full set makes it difficult to chew and undermines your confidence. If you’re missing more than a few teeth, you are a great candidate for dentures.  If you’re thinking about dentures, you probably have more than a few questions. There are many different types of artificial teeth available today, and of course, the kind that suits you best depends on your needs. Here are the 6 most common questions patients ask when considering dentures:

1. What are the best dentures for me?

Every patient has different needs for dentures. The type of dentures the dentist recommends depends on the number and location of missing teeth. In some cases, a bridge might suffice, and other patients may need or prefer removable dentures. You might also be able to choose between dental implants and conventional dentures to suit your needs. Additionally, you have options when it comes to the material of which the dentures are made. 

2. What changes can I expect?

You should expect it to take at least a few weeks to feel comfortable in your dentures. Practice talking, eating, and drinking while wearing your dentures, so you aren’t self-conscious around others. Expect some degree of discomfort in the beginning. Any irritation you experience may require a trip back to your dentist for some adjustments.

3. How do my dentures stay in my mouth?

Removable dentures stay in place with the proper fitting. They are created specifically for your mouth structure and fit over the gums, suctioning in place. Many patients prefer to use a special adhesive to keep their dentures from slipping.  The latest in dental technology, dental implants, are secured directly into the bone beneath the gums, like natural teeth. The implants stay in place, and the dentures are affixed directly to the dental implant.

4. How often do I need to replace my dentures?

Depending on the type of dentures you select, your dentures may last as long as a decade or more. Conventional dentures usually last less than a decade, and implants last longer. 

5. Should I wear my dentures all the time?

Obviously, it is up to the wearer to decide when they want to wear their dentures. Removable dentures may be taken out at night to ease pressure on the gums and allow the dentures to soak and remove any bacteria that has built up over the course of the day. Implants, of course, will remain in the mouth like natural teeth. 

6. How do I care for my dentures?

Daily cleaning will keep your mouth healthy and keep your dentures around for a while. Clean your implants as you would clean your natural teeth, and removable dentures should be brushed with a soft toothbrush and a special denture cleaner. Your dentist will instruct you and go over the cleaning process with you.

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At Bliss Dental, we are dedicated to creating and maintaining a radiant, confident, and healthy smile for all of our patients. Please contact Bliss Dental with any questions you may have about dentures, dental implants, or any other services we provide. Image: Pexels