Address:
104 Whalon Street, Suite 1-C Fitchburg, MA 01420
Address:
104 Whalon Street, Suite 1-C Fitchburg, MA 01420
Dentures & More in Fitchburg, MA
Types of Complete Dentures
If you're a first-time denture wearer, you probably have many questions. The first thing you should understand is that there are several different types of dentures, each with different functions and purposes.
The two main categories of dentures are partial dentures and complete dentures. Partial dentures replace one or more teeth, but complete dentures replace all your teeth.
There are two main types of complete dentures: conventional and immediate dentures.
Conventional dentures are placed in your mouth several months after your dentist in Fitchburg, MA removes your teeth. Your dentist waits until your tissue heals to place this denture type.
In contrast, immediate dentures are placed right after your dentist removes your teeth. This way, you don't have to go without teeth while your tissue heals. But since your gums shrink while healing, immediate dentures may not give you a perfect long-term fit. Thus, you should replace them with conventional dentures after your tissue heals.
Both types of complete dentures consist of a flesh-colored acrylic plastic framework. The upper denture covers the entire roof of your mouth, but the lower denture is horseshoe shaped to make room for your tongue. Dentures have a natural seal, but your saliva, cheek muscles, and tongue help keep them in place as well. Your dentist in Fitchburg, MA can also attach the dentures to your natural tooth roots or implants (artificial tooth roots) to ensure a secure fit.
Caring for Your Dentures
First, clean your dentures daily to remove food and plaque and prevent staining. To clean your dentures, rinse them and brush each surface with a cleaner. The best brush choice is a denture-cleaning brush, but a soft-bristled toothbrush will work as well. Avoid hard bristles, which can damage dentures. You can use an ultrasonic cleaner, but this shouldn't replace brushing. For a cleaner, you can use a denture cleanser, hand soap, or mild dishwashing soap. Do not use household cleaners, which can damage your dentures. Next, keep your dentures wet. Soaking your dentures prevents them from drying out and changing shape. When you're not wearing your dentures, place them in a denture-soaking solution approved by the American Dental Association (look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance). Store your dentures away from children and pets.
Denture Replacements
Your dentures will fit perfectly at first, but as time goes by, they may begin to feel uncomfortable. After all, your mouth changes naturally with age. Your bones and gum ridges may shrink, which causes your jaw to align differently. When this happens, talk to your dentist about denture replacement. Your dentist can reline or rebase your dentures at a Fitchburg, MA clinic. Relining means to add new material to the dentures' underside, helping your dentures better conform to your gums. Rebasing means to make a new base for your dentures and to attach the artificial teeth from your original dentures to the new base. In some cases, your dentist in Fitchburg, MA may need to remake the artificial teeth in your dentures as well.
Dental Appointments
Even after you have lost your teeth, regular oral examinations by your dentist are necessary. The mouth and oral tissues are subject to potentially serious diseases and should be examined on a routine basis. During your visit, the dentist will look for signs of oral disease such as cancer. Your dental office will advise you about how often you should have checkups. During the visit, the dentist will examine your mouth to see if your dentures continue to fit and determine if adjustments are needed. You can wear your new denture with a smile if you have a positive attitude, a balanced diet, are persistent in practicing how you speak and eat, and see your dentist regularly. The good thing about dentures is that they can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth. There may be little change in your appearance and full dentures may even restore the look of your smile.
Growing Accustomed to Your Dentures
New Dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks. They may feel loose, while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold them in place. Salivary flow temporarily increases. Minor irritation or soreness is not unusual. These problems often diminish as your mouth becomes accustomed to new dentures, and so your dentist may need to make adjustments.
Eating with dentures takes a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chewing slowly and using both sides of your mouth at the same time will prevent the dentures from moving out of place. Other types of foods can gradually be introduced until you resume your normal diet.
Speaking with your new dentures also will require practice. Reading out loud and repeating difficult words in front of a mirror will help. Speaking slowly will help eliminate muffled speech. If dentures sometimes slip out of place when you laugh, cough or smile, you can reposition them by biting down and swallowing.
After you get the new dentures, your dentist may advise you to wear them most of the time, including while you sleep. After the adjustment period, you may be instructed to remove them at bedtime. Generally, it is not advisable to wear them around the clock because tissues that are constantly covered with denture material can become irritated.
Even when you wear dentures, you should keep oral hygiene a priority. Each morning before you place your dentures, brush your tongue, palate, and gums. Also, eat healthy foods and a balanced diet.
Denture Adhesives
Although dentures are made to fit securely, your dentist may recommend using a denture adhesive while you become accustomed to wearing your new denture.
A loose denture, which makes chewing difficult and can change the facial features, may require relining. A denture that does not fit properly may cause irritation and possible sores and infection. While a denture adhesive can temporarily aid a loose-fitting denture, prolonged use of adhesives is not recommended. If your denture is loose, have your dentist check it. Your dentist may refer you to a prosthodontist, who is specially trained to provide solutions for replacing lost teeth.
Contact us to schedule an appointment (978) 342-0722 with our dental team to receive personalized care in a friendly and comfortable environment.
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