Information on Getting & Wearing Full Dentures

Many people are nervous about getting dentures.

There are many questions concerning choosing and wearing the first full set of dentures. Dentures are custom made by obtaining impressions from your mouth. Full dentures can be one of two types: conventional full dentures or immediate full dentures.

Types of Dentures

Conventional dentures are placed in your mouth after all your teeth have been removed and the tissues inside your mouth have healed. This process can take many months so you will be without teeth. Immediate full dentures are placed right after your teeth have been removed. They must be relined after a few months because the bone that supports the teeth changes shape as it heals which may cause the dentures to become loose.

Adjusting

It will take a while to adjust to full dentures. Soreness may develop as your jaw adjusts to the new teeth. Chewing patterns should begin with small foods and increase over time and you should chew on both sides of the mouth. Difficulty with certain speech sounds can occur but should resolve as your jaw adjusts to the new teeth.

Care

Dentures will require regular care and inspection by your dentist for any repairs that need to be made. Dentures are delicate and can break so handling should be minimal. Soaking the dentures will prevent them from drying out while they are not being worn and brushing regularly will remove food and plaque.

References

• Colgate: What Are Dentures?
• 1st Dentures: Wearing A New Denture: What to Expect from Your Complete Dentures