Services
: Prosthodontics
: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Dentures
Are There Alternatives
to Dentures?
Yes, dental
implants can be used to support permanently cemented
bridges,
eliminating the need for a denture. Implant
supported overdentures may also be considered that
gives better retention than conventional dentures. The
cost of implants however is usually greater, but the
implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel
of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative
to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants.
Consult your dentist for advice.
Will Dentures Make Me Look
Different?
Dentures are made to closely resemble your natural
teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your
appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your
smile and fill out your facial appearance.
Will Eating With New
Dentures Be Difficult?
Eating with new dentures will take a little practice
and may be uncomfortable for some wearers for a few
weeks. To get used to the new denture, start with soft
foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both
sides of your mouth. As you get used to your new dentures,
add other foods until you return to your normal diet.
Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones
or shells. And, avoid foods that are extremely sticky
or hard. You may want to avoid chewing gum while you
adjust to the denture. Also, don't use toothpicks while
wearing dentures.
Will Dentures Change
How I Speak?
You may have difficulty pronouncing certain words.
If so, practice by saying the difficult words out loud.
With practice and with time you will become accustomed
to speaking properly with your denture.
If your dentures "click" while you're talking,
you should contact your dentist. Your dentures may occasionally
slip when you laugh, cough, or smile. Reposition the
dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. If any
speaking problem persists, consult your dentist or prosthodontist.
Are
Dentures Worn 24 Hours a Day?
Your dentist or prosthodontist will instruct you as
to how long to wear your denture and when to remove
it. During the first several days after receiving your
denture, you may be asked to wear it all the time, including
while you sleep. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable,
it is the quickest way to identify the areas on your
denture that may need adjustment. Once adjustments are
made, you should remove your dentures before going to
bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and allows normal
stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva.
The denture can be put back in your mouth in the morning.
Should I Use a Denture
Adhesive?
A denture adhesive may be considered under the following
circumstances:
- To enhance your satisfaction with
a properly constructed denture. Adhesives enhance
retention, stability, bite force and an individual's
sense of security
- To assist individuals with dry mouth
conditions that lessen denture adherence, such as
individuals taking cold medications, those with neurologic
disabilities including strokes, and the elderly
- To provide added stability and
security for those who place unusual demands on their
facial muscles, such as public speakers or musicians
When Shouldn't
Adhesives Be Considered?
- When used as a "fix" for
ill-fitting or poorly constructed dentures. If your
dentures begin to feel loose, cause discomfort or
cause sores to develop, contact your dentist.
- When a dentist has not evaluated
your dentures for a long time. Dentures rest on gum
tissue and your jawbone, which shrink and deteriorate,
respectively, over time. Therefore, the real problem
might be a need for a denture adjustment or new dentures.
- When oral hygiene practices cannot
be sustained.
- When adhesives have been used for
a long time, especially when visits to the dentist
are infrequent, and when the frequency and volume
of the adhesive use increases. These developments
may indicate the need for a denture adjustment or
new dentures.
- When any known allergy exists to
the adhesive's ingredients.
How Are Denture
Adhesives Applied?
Here are some tips to consider when applying denture
adhesives:
- Use the minimum amount necessary
to provide the maximum benefit. Apply less than you
think you need, and then gradually increase the amount
until you feel comfortable.
- Distribute the adhesive evenly
on the tissue bearing surface of the denture
- Apply or reapply when necessary
to provide the desired effect
- Always apply the adhesive to a
thoroughly clean denture
- Remember adhesives work best with
a well-fitting denture
What Are the Types
of Adhesives?
Paste application. Apply to a dry
or preferably wet denture. Avoid placing adhesive close
to the denture borders. If the adhesive oozes, use less
of the product. For dentures on the upper jaw, apply
three short strips of adhesive-or s series of small
dots-along the ridge area and one down the center. For
dentures on the lower jaw, apply three short strips
of adhesive-or s series of small dots-in the center
of the ridge area.
Powder application. Sprinkle a thin,
uniform layer throughout the tissue-bearing surface
of the denture. Shake off excess powder and press the
denture into place. Powders may be preferred over pastes
because they are easier to clean off the denture and
tissue. In addition, they don't have the same tendency
as pastes do to "shim" (keep the denture away
from the tissue).
Are Denture Adhesives
Safe?
Dental adhesives are safe as long as they are used
as they were meant to be used. If the denture is well-fitting
and the adhesive is only used to give added stability,
there should be no ill effects. If adhesives are used
excessively to fill voids for an ill-fitting denture,
they can be harmful to the underlying soft and hard
tissues. Occasionally, in these cases, inflammation
of the soft tissues can result. In addition, because
of its movement on the soft tissue and underlying bone,
an ill-fitting denture can cause bone loss.
Taken from http://www.webmd.com
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