Q & A - Dentures

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth. Partial dentures are dentures that replace only a few missing teeth. Complete dentures are dentures that replace a complete set of missing teeth.

Conventional dentures are dentures that are made and placed after the remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed. Immediate dentures are dentures that are placed immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. An over-denture is a denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants.

Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Your partial denture may feel awkward or bulky for the first few weeks, but your mouth will eventually get used to it.
 
Initially, you may want to wear your partial denture all the time. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how long it should be worn and when it should be removed. Generally, your mouth tissues need to rest so it is advisable that you take out your partial denture at least 15 minutes per day.
 
Your partial denture may help your speech. It can be difficult to speak clearly when you are missing teeth. However, it also will take time to get used to it.

Eating With and Wearing Dentures

For a few weeks, new dentures will feel awkward until you become accustomed to them. They might feel loose until the cheek and tongue muscles learn to hold them in position. It is not unusual to feel minor irritation or soreness. The patient needs to see his or her dentist for regular fit adjustments to relieve any sore areas.

At Richard J Bianco D.M.D. we find that dentures will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear over a period of time and normal shrinkage of your gums and bones.
 
Eating with dentures will take a little practice. You should start with soft foods that are cut into small pieces. As you become used to chewing, you can return to your normal diet. There are only a few eating restrictions for denture wearers. Avoid biting down directly on crunchy or hard foods, like whole apples, hard pretzels, crusty bread, or large sandwiches. They can break because of the angle where the denture comes into contact with the hard surface.

Biting is limited only by the stability of the dentures themselves.  Insufficient bone structure (shrunken bone ridges covered by gum tissue), old or worn dentures, and a dry mouth decrease stability.  Call us at Richard J Bianco DMD to evaluate your personal situation.
 
Today's dentures have been significantly improved through advances in both dental and materials technologies.  As a result, dentures that fit properly usually do not require adhesives to secure the dentures.  When you are just getting used to dentures, adhesives may be advised, but otherwise should not be necessary.

At Richard J Bianco DMD we feel a loose denture is a sign that it doesn't fit your mouth correctly.  When first getting used to dentures, you may notice them slipping when you laugh, smile, or cough, which is caused by air getting under the base and moving it.  The more you wear dentures, the better you will be able to control their movements in these situations.

If your mouth has insufficient bone structure, dentures will be more difficult to retain. Dental implants may be advisable. These are placed in the bone and retain the denture with small, precision attachments.

Denture Cleaning and Maintenance

When cleaning your dentures, you should first rinse away loose food particles thoroughly. Then moisten your toothbrush and apply denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage. The denture needs to be cleaned two to three times daily.
 
In addition to taking care of your dentures, taking care of your mouth also is vital if you wear full dentures. This includes brushing your gums, tongue, and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before inserting your dentures. This stimulates your tissues and helps remove plaque.

Broken or Cracked Dentures

Call your dentist immediately.  Normally, dentures can be repaired quickly, often on the same day at Richard J Bianco D.M.D..  Damaged dentures can cause additional oral health problems, so see your dentist right away. Never attempt to repair dentures yourself. They require professional repair and adjustment.

Glues often contain harmful chemicals and are not effective in the proper repair of dentures.

Dry Mouth - Xerostomia

When the natural flow of saliva is reduced, you can experience trouble swallowing, pain throughout oral tissues and, nearly always, a short-cut to dental caries and gum disease. The tongue sticks, food doesn't have much taste, and digestion suffers.  (For more details call us at 831 722-3308.

Xerostomia, or dry mouth syndrome, can come with aging, or often as a side effect of many medications.   Half of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience an extreme form of xerostomia, with critical effects on their dental health. At Richard J Bianco D.M.D. we can help provide relief in the form of prescriptions for dry mouth toothpaste, special saliva-producing chewing gum, or saliva substitute solutions.