Denture FAQ
Charleston, West Virginia
 At Revive Dental and Implant Center we get a lot of questions about removable dentures. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Do Dentures Help?
Tooth loss is often painful in many ways. However, it is an issue that can be resolved with more than excellent results. Removable dentures quite often can help provide you with a relaxed, attractive, affordable substitute for your natural teeth. With proper daily oral health care and checkups, your dentures will last a long time.
How Long Will My Dentures Last?
Dentures typically last between 5-7 years. However, with proper daily care, they can last up to 15 years or more. It is important to remember that as with your natural teeth, your dentures too will begin to wear and stain with age because your mouth is constantly changing. To ensure a proper fit, your dentures will need periodic adjustments We suggest a yearly checkup at least. Should there be any sign of irritation or pain from the dentures in any way, no matter how minor you might think that it is, you should call our dental professionals at the office right away. Your comfort, health and well-being is always our primary concern.
How Will My Appearance Be Affected?
Dentures are custom-crafted to your mouth. Dentures are made to look natural and they have a comfortable fit. It is true that in the beginning there is a period of time that takes a bit of ‘breaking in’. During this time your teeth are positioned in wax so you can see what your dentures will look like. You can discuss the appearance and any adjustments you’d like with our dental professional so you will be completely satisfied with the end result. A nice benefit to dentures is that many patients will notice a more youthful look to their faces. This is because the dentures soften often pronounced facial lines that have formed without the dentures. You will have a beautiful smile – don’t be afraid to show it off!
Will I Be Able to Eat as I Did Before?
Once you adjust to your dentures, you will be able to eat as you did before. Time and patience will be needed, but the adjustment will happen before you know it. Our dental professionals will work with you through any challenges you encounter and will explain everything that you will need to know. In no time you will get used to your new dentures and be comfortable with biting, chewing and eating.
What Differences Will I Notice?
Your new dentures may indeed feel a bit odd at first, after all, you do have a foreign object in your mouth. You may notice that you have more saliva in your mouth than you are used to. Do not worry, this is completely normal. Your facial muscles and tissues in your mouth need some time to adapt to the new changes as well, but once they do your dentures will feel completely normal. Some people take longer to adjust than others, so it’s hard to predict how long that will take.
How Do I Clean the Dentures?
You should always take your dentures out and clean them over a bowl of water or use a folded or damp towel in case you should drop them. Your dentures are very fragile, and they can break, so hold them gently with your thumb and fingers. With a soft-bristle toothbrush or special denture brush, clean them with soap or a denture cleaner. Be sure to use only water that is lukewarm, never too hot or too cold and do not use any pastes or powders. The other precaution is that you should be sure to clean your dentures after every meal. If you cannot brush, at least be sure to take them out and rinse them under some lukewarm water before inserting them back in your mouth.
How Will my Speech be Affected?
You might notice some very slight differences at first, but that should not concern you. Your mouth just needs a little time to adjust to the change. A great way to help this is to try reading aloud for a few days for small periods of time. This can help your speech return to normal more quickly.
Do I Take the Dentures Out at Night?
Yes, you should take your dentures out every night, as your mouth needs to rest for a while. Dentures must be taken out at night unlike dental implants. There are special instructions that our dental professional and hygienist will provide you in regard to special care for your dentures at night.
We hope these general FAQs have helped at least answer some questions about removable dentures. If you have additional questions and want to know more about dentures, contact the experts at Revive Dental and Implant Center. We will always be happy to go over all oral health alternatives with you and find the right treatment plan for you.
Please give us a call at (304) 467-4265 and let us set up a consultation to discuss your options.
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