For the first few weeks, your new denture may feel awkward or bulky. However, your mouth will eventually become accustomed to wearing it. Inserting and removing the denture will require some practice. Follow all instructions given to you by Dr. Melissa. Your denture should fit into place with relative ease. Never force the denture into position by biting down.

Dr. Melissa will give you specific instructions about how long the denture should be worn and when it should be removed. Initially, you may be asked to wear your denture all the time. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it is the quickest way to identify those denture parts that may need adjustment. If the denture puts too much pressure on a particular area, that spot will become sore. We will adjust the denture to fit more comfortably. After making adjustments, we recommend that you take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning.

Replacing missing teeth should make eating a more pleasant experience. Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on the denture. Avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard. You may want to avoid chewing gum while you adjust to the denture.

It can be difficult to speak clearly when you are missing teeth. Consequently, wearing a denture may help. If you find it difficult to pronounce certain words with your new denture, practice reading out loud. Repeat the words that give you trouble. With time, you will become accustomed to speaking properly with your denture.

Handling a denture requires care. It’s a good idea to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water just in case you accidentally drop the denture. Brush the denture each day to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing your denture helps prevent the appliance from becoming permanently stained. It’s best to use a brush that is designed for cleaning dentures. A denture brush has bristles that are arranged to fit the shape of the denture. A regular, soft-bristled toothbrush is also acceptable.

Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, resulting in a loose-fitting denture. Dentures that do not fit properly should be adjusted by Dr. Melissa. Loose dentures can cause various problems, including sores or infections. See us promptly if your denture becomes loose. Relines can make poor fitting dentures fit better.

You can do serious harm to your denture and to your health by trying to adjust or repair your denture. A denture that is not made to fit precisely by a dentist can cause irritation and sores. Using a do-it-yourself kit can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold over-the-counter often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture. If your denture no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, see us immediately. In many cases, we can make necessary adjustments or repairs, often on the same day. Complicated repairs may require that the denture be sent to a special dental laboratory.

Traditional full-palate upper dentures come with a palate section that helps keep the dentures suctioned in place. This palate section is uncomfortable for many people and can lead to difficulties with swallowing or speaking.

Brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily help prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease that can lead to tooth loss. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay. Dr. Melissa or our dental hygienist can demonstrate how to properly brush and clean between teeth. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important. If you have full dentures, it is also important to clean your gum tissue daily. Brush your gums and tongue with a soft brush twice daily.

If you have natural teeth and partial dentures, we recommend coming to see us 2-3 times per year. If you have full dentures we recommend one visit per year.

Full dentures are called “conventional” or “immediate” according to when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth.

An overdenture is a removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants. The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture.

Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that little change in appearance will be noticeable. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face and profile.

Denture adhesive can provide additional retention for well-fitting dentures. Denture adhesives are not the solution for old, ill-fitting dentures. A poorly fitting denture, which causes constant irritation over a long period, may contribute to the development of sores. These dentures may need a reline or need to be replaced. If your dentures begin to feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, consult with Dr. Melissa immediately.

Over time, dentures will need to be relined, rebased, or remade due to normal wear. To reline or rebase a denture, Dr. Melissa uses the existing denture teeth and refits the denture base or makes a new denture base. Dentures may need to be replaced if they become loose and the teeth show signs of significant wear. Dentures become loose because a mouth naturally changes with age. Bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, causing jaws to align differently. Shrinking ridges can cause dentures to fit less securely. Loose dentures can cause health problems, including sores and infections. A loose denture also makes chewing more difficult and may change your facial features. It’s important to replace worn or poorly-fitting dentures before they cause problems.