Common Denture Information Explained
Mira
Costa Dental Offers Same Day Denture Repair!
If I wear dentures, how often should I schedule dental appointments?
Ask your dentist for advice regarding how often you should visit. Regular
dental checkups with Mira Costa Dental are always important. Your dentist
will examine your mouth to see if your dentures fit correctly. Your
dentist will also examine your mouth for any signs of oral diseases,
i.e.: cancer. With regular visits to Mira Costa Dental, a positive outlook
and a little persistence, you can become one of the millions of people
who wear their dentures with confidence and a smile.
How do I care for my dentures?
Dentures are very delicate and will break if dropped even from a height
of a few inches. Try to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water
when handling dentures.
When you are not wearing your dentures, store them away from all children
and pets.
Just like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food
particles and plaque. Brushing also helps to prevent dentures from becoming
stained and keeps your mouth healthy. A toothbrush with soft bristles
can also be used, but it's best to use a special brush designed to clean
dentures. Do not us hard-bristled brushes that may damage dentures.
Mira Costa Dental recommends the use of hand soap or mild dishwashing
liquid for cleaning dentures. Do not use any other powdered household
cleansers, this may damage your dentures.
FREE DENTURE QUICK CLEANING GUIDE
1) rinse away loose food particles thoroughly.
2) Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage.
3) Moisten the brush and apply denture cleanser.
Dentures could lose their shape if they dry out. When not being worn,
dentures should always be placed in a "denture cleanser" soaking
solution or in clean water. Your dentist will recommend the best method
for you to follow. Never place dentures in hot water, this can
cause them to warp. Some people use ultrasonic cleaners also, but using
an ultrasonic cleaner doesn't replace a complete daily brushing.
Will dentures make me look different? NO.
Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that
little change in appearance will be noticeable. Dentures may even improve
the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face
and profile.
How do dentures feel?
Dentures may initially feel awkward (lasting up to several weeks) until
you become used to them. Dentures could feel loose during the period
when the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn how to keep them in
place. It is not unusual to experience some discomfort or soreness,
at least initially. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures,
these problems should go away. If the problems persist, please contact
your dentist immediately.
One or more follow-up appointments with the dentist are usually required
after dentures are first installed.
Can I eat normally while wearing my dentures? YES.
Eating will take a little getting used to. Mira Costa Dental recommends
that you begin with soft foods cut into small bites. Slowly chew using
both sides of your mouth equally to prevent the dentures from tipping
out of alignment. As you become acquainted to chewing, begin to add
other foods until you are able to eat your normal diet.
How do dentures make my speech sound?
Pronouncing certain words may require a little getting used to. We recommend
reading aloud, repeating difficult words until you get comfortable.
If your dentures "click" while you're talking, this is an indication
to speak slower. Your dentures may occasionally slip out of place when
you laugh, cough or even smile. This is normal. Simply reposition the
dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. If speech issues persist,
call your dentist.
Is there any special care required for my mouth while wearing dentures?
YES.
Even with complete dentures, you should continue to take good care of
your mouth. It is important to brush your gums, tongue and palate with
a soft-bristled brush before you put in your dentures - Every Day! This
will remove any plaque buildup and stimulate proper circulation in the
mouth. Eating a balanced diet is also important for maintaining a good
oral health.
What
is an overdenture?
An overdenture is a denture that fits over a small number of remaining
natural teeth. Your dentist will determine if an overdenture would be
necessary for you.
Should I use adhesives designed for dentures? NO.
Dentures are made to fit precisely and usually don't need the use of
an adhesive. Only in an emergency situation should denture adhesives
be used to keep the dentures stable. Prolonged use of adhesives can
mask infections and cause loss of bone in your jaw. If your dentures
should begin to feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, call your
dentist immediately.
Can I make minor adjustments or repairs to my dentures? No.
You can seriously damage your dentures and actually harm your health
by trying to adjust or repair your dentures. See your dentist if your
dentures should break, crack, chip, or if any of the teeth should become
loose.
Dr Dueñes can usually make the necessary adjustments and repairs
on the same day. It is imperative that you seek professional assistance
when adjusting or repairing dentures. If you attempt the repairs yourself,
it can cause greater damage to the denture and may even cause problems
in your mouth.
Will I ever need to replace my dentures? YES.
Over extended periods of time, your dentures will need to be relined,
remade or rebased. This is entirely due to normal wear and tear. Dentures
may need to be replaced because a mouth naturally changes with age.
Bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, causing jaws to align differently.
Shrinking ridges can cause dentures to fit less securely. Loose dentures
can cause health problems, including sores and infections. A loose denture
also makes chewing more difficult and may change your facial features.
It's important to replace worn or poorly-fitting dentures before
they cause problems.
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