The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that replacing missing teeth with dentures, or false teeth, helps both appearance and general health. Dentures often are required following a bout with periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury. Eating and speaking are drastically affected when teeth are missing and without the support of natural or artificial teeth, facial muscles begin to sag, making a person look much older.
Conventional
Conventional dentures are placed in the patient's mouth after all the remaining teeth are removed and the gums have healed completely. As the mouth may change over time throughout the healing process, taking anywhere from six to eight weeks, measurements of the patient's mouth are taken at the end of the time and a mold is made that replicates the patient's mouth. From the mold, a laboratory creates the replacement dentures.
Immediate
Immediate dentures usually are incorporated on a temporary basis to provide the patient with teeth while the mouth heals from multiple extractions. A temporary denture typically is put in place while the healing takes place and the new conventional dentures are being made.
Wear
Dentists at the ADA say that dentures may feel uncomfortable at first and that most people need time to adjust to the new teeth. Most people become accustomed to dentures within a few weeks, as the muscles in the cheek and tongue develop to hold them in place. For some, saliva flow increases and they experience minor soreness and irritation. Adjustments by the dentist may be required to find the best fit. Denture adhesives can be used as additional protection for holding well-fitting dentures in place.
Use
Eating with dentures takes practice, say providers at the ADA. Food should be introduced slowly over time, beginning with soft food, cut into small pieces. Denture wearers should chew their food on both sides of the mouth to avoid shifting and tipping of the dentures. Learning how to speak with dentures also may take a little time as the new teeth often click together while talking. Patients often must practice pronunciation of certain words and practice holding the dentures in place while laughing or coughing.
Care
Dentures are delicate and can break if dropped. They should be handled over a towel or basin of water and stored away from children and others who may accidentally knock them over. Soft-bristled toothbrushes designed for dentures should be utilized daily to keep dentures clean. Mild soap and dishwashing liquid can be used as cleaners. Since dentures can lose their shape if they are permitted to dry out, they should be stored in cool water or a denture soaking solution when not in use.
