What is a denture?
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It
is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. Complete dentures
replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing
teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position. Complete dentures are either
"conventional" or "imimediate." A conventional denture is placed in
the mouth about a month after all of the teeth are removed to allow for proper healing,
whereas an immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed. The drawback
behind an immediate denture is that it may require more adjustments after the healing has taken place.
Who needs a denture?
Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial
denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves
chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial Muscles. It will greatly
enhance the facial appearance and smile.
What happens when you get a denture?
A dentist can make a full conventional denture when all teeth have been lost or all
extraction sites have healed (up to eight weeks or longer.) The denture process takes
about one month and five appointments: the initial diagnosis is made; an impression and a
wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position; a
"try-in" is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit; and the patient's
final denture is placed, following any minor adjustments.
New denture wearers need time to get accustomed to their new "teeth" because
even the best fitting dentures will feel awkward at first. While most patients can begin
to speak normally within a few hours, many patients report discomfort with eating for
several days or a few weeks. To get accustomed to chewing with a new denture, start with
soft, easy-to-chew foods, perhaps while playing around on
party bets or watching a film to distract
yourself from any minor discomfort. In addition, denture wearers often notice a slight change in
facial appearance, increased salivary flow, or minor speech difficulty.
How do you care for a denture?
A denture is fragile, so it is important to handle it with care. Remove and brush the
denture daily, preferably with a brush designed specifically for cleaning dcntures, using
either a denture cleanser or toothpaste. Never use harsh, abrasive cleansers, including
abrasive toothpastes, because they may scratch the surface of the denture. Don't sterilize
your denture with boiling water because it will cause it to become warped. If you wear a
partial denture be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth.
When not in use, soak it in a cleanser solution or in water. Get in the habit of keeping
the denture in the same safe and handy place to reduce the likelihood of misplacement.
Should a denture be worn at night?
While you may be advised to wear your new denture almost constantly during the first two
weeks-even while you sleep-under normal circumstances it is considered best to remove it
at night. Research has shown that removing the denture for at least eight hours during
either the day or night allows the gum tissue to rest and allows normal stimulation and
cleansing by the tongue and saliva. This promotes better long-term health of gums.
Continue seeing your dentist regularly
It is important to continue having regular dental checkups so that a dentist can examine
oral tissues for signs of disease or cancer. As you age, your mouth will continue to
change as the bone under your denture shrinks or recedes. To maintain a proper fit over
time, it may be necessary to adjust your denture or possibly remake your denture. Never
attempt to adjust a denture yourself and do not use denture adhesives for a prolonged
period because it can contribute to bone loss. When in doubt, consult your dentist.
Sources: Your Dentures,
American Dental Association, 1992; Removable Partial Dentures, American Dental
Association, 1991; "Science and Research, suggestion to Patients: Learning to Wear
and Care for New Dentures, "Iowa Dental Journal, Vol. 67, No. 1, January 1981; 'A
Myth In Time, " Oklahoma Dental Association Journal, Vol. 8 1, No. 4, Spring 1994;
"Post Insertion Care of Patients With Removable Dentures, "Journal Colorado
Dental Association, Vo 1. 71, No. 2, January 1993, "Guidelines on after care for
dental patients, "JADA, Vol. 94, June 1977.
This information was compiled for you by the Academy of General Dentistry. Your dentist
cares about long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrates that concern
by belonging to the Academy of General Dentistiy As one of the 35, 000 general dentists in
the United States and Canada who are members of the AGD, your dentist participates in an
ongoing program of professional development and continuing education to remain current
with advances in the profession and to provide quality panient treatment.
Return to Facts
About Dentistry & Services
Send comments to:Dr. Jay Last Update July 11, 2010