Modern dentures

A brief overview of denture options in Sutton Coldfield

Dentures have long been the standard method of replacing a lost tooth and indeed are often referred to as false teeth. They can be made from acrylic or a combination of metal and acrylic and can be used to replace a full arch of teeth or simply a few teeth in the case of partial dentures. More modern types of dentures such as Valplast are more flexible due to the use of modern materials used in their manufacture.

What Happens When I Need Dentures?

Initially, you will be examined to determine if dentures are the best solution for your missing teeth (other treatments such as a bridge or dental implants may be more appropriate in some cases). Once the decision has been taken to have dentures fitted, you will be invited back for a second appointment where impressions will be taken of the mouth and your bite checked. The final appointment will see your new dentures fitted and checked to ensure that they are a good fit.

You will probably find that your new dentures feel quite strange when they are first fitted and this is to be expected. Eating and speech may also be temporarily affected but this should not be a concern as these will return once you become accustomed to your dentures. You may also notice an increase in saliva; this is entirely normal and will return to normal after a short period. We have found that the Valplast dentures that we use in our convenient Sutton Coldfield dental practice minimise the discomfort and inconvenience felt by our patients.

Easing In Your New Dentures

You may find that eating softer foods or cutting your food into smaller pieces will help you to learn to eat with your new dentures. Start with very soft foods and gradually re-introduce other types of food into your diet, avoiding those which you know will cause problems, toffees being an obvious example.

Soreness

One of the most common problems that people have with their new dentures is soreness. This is to be expected as the dentures will inevitably rub against your gums which is something to which they are not accustomed. This can very often be relieved by your dentist making adjustments at the spots where the discomfort is most felt. If you experience severe pain though, please contact us immediately.

Taking Care of Your Dentures

Whilst dentures are not natural teeth and can’t decay, they do still get food trapped in them and if left to rot, this will cause halitosis, or bad breath. Whilst this is relatively harmless in itself, it is very unpleasant and can have a negative effect on a person’s social or business life. Staining can also occur if the teeth are not cleaned regularly which will spoil their appearance.

Ideally, dentures should be cleaned using warm water and a mild detergent after each meal with a soft brush. Avoid bleaches as these may turn the flesh coloured acrylic white. Take care not to drop the dentures and it is recommended to brush them over soft material to prevent any chipping or cracking should you accidentally mishandle them.

Do not allow your dentures to become dry. Whilst in the mouth this is not a problem, but at times when they are not being worn, make sure to put them in water as drying them out will cause them to lose their shape and become uncomfortable to wear.

Dentures at Night

Whilst dentures are made to be worn regularly, they should be removed at night. This allows the gums to take a break and they will feel much better for it.

Because the loss of teeth means that both the jawbone and the gums will shrink over time, this will affect the fitting of the dentures leading to loose dentures and friction on the gums. This can be rectified by having the dentures stabilised by the use of dental implants to hold them securely in place. Hopefully this provides a useful overview about modern dentures but if you would like more information, please call the team at our Sutton Coldfield practice and we’ll be pleased to assist.