Dentures are removable sets of artificial teeth that can help replace missing teeth or help a person get their smile back. Dentures are more common as we get older after conditions like gum disease and tooth decay wear away our teeth. Aside from helping replace damaged teeth, dentures also benefit your oral health and can improve your speech. Below, we take a closer look at different types dentures, and how to care for your new teeth.
Types of Dentures
Here’s a little bit more about the different types of dentures available to you:
- Conventional – As the name implies, this is the typical type of dentures that people have. It is a fully removable denture that is created and placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and your mouth has healed. This process can take a couple of months.
- Immediate – An immediate denture is one that is installed on the same day that the remaining teeth have been removed. A preliminary appointment is required in order for your dentist to make a model of your teeth, and although you get your dentures the same day, you may have to have them adjusted after your jaw has healed.
- Overdenture – An overdenture is a piece that is placed over any remaining teeth. The remaining teeth offer extra stability for the denture, but they have to be examined by a dentist to ensure they are healthy enough to remain in your mouth.
Caring For Your Dentures
Once your dentures have been fitted, it’s going to take a while to get used to them. Your mouth muscles will eventually get better at keeping them in place, and you may notice an increase in saliva flow for a little bit. To ensure everything is going as expected, you’ll have a couple follow up appointments with your dentist to check for proper fit and potential issues like pain and soreness.
If you have dentures, you have to practice good oral hygiene with your dentures but also with your gums. When your dentures are removed, make sure you brush your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth every morning before you insert your dentures, and again after you remove them for the night.
Once your set is removed, rinse them under water and brush them to remove any food or debris. Once they are clean, you’ll want to leave them submerged under water to prevent them from warping. If you use adhesives, follow the instructions on the package and look for products with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
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