Dentures

Dentures are necessary to replace multiple missing teeth. If unattended to, severe decay, badly broken teeth or gum disease can result in the loss of most or all of your teeth.

This causes problems because you can’t chew food properly, and it may lead to digestive problems or nutritional deficiencies. Dentures also make speech clear again.

Without teeth, the facial muscles begin to sag prematurely, which makes you look much older; dentures can correct this problem and improve your appearance.

There are three kinds of dentures: conventional, immediate and overdentures. Conventional dentures are the removable dentures you probably think of.

These dentures are not placed in the mouth until several months after your teeth have been extracted, to allow the gums to heal. The advantage of conventional dentures is that they don’t usually have to be modified or refitted.

Immediate dentures, on the other hand, are inserted right after surgery. These dentures sometimes need to be adjusted or remade, as they may not fit as well once full healing has occurred.

An overdenture is used when some teeth remain; it fits over the remaining teeth.

Having dentures doesn’t mean you don’t have to take care of your mouth. You’ll still need to brush your mouth, palate, tongue and gums with a toothbrush and toothpaste at least once a day. Plaque can form on gums as well as teeth.

Brushing also stimulates the circulation in the mouth. You should rinse your dentures and brush them with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner. Store your dentures in a covered, water-filled container then you aren’t wearing them.

If you have healthy bones and mouth tissues, properly fitted dentures should stay in place. Otherwise, you may prefer or need dentures adhesives.

Denture adhesives are available over-the-counter in creams, pads, strips or liquid forms. If your dentures are very loose or cause sore spots, our doctors can adjust them.