I’m Interested In Dentures. Where Do I Start?

If you have some or all missing teeth, visit your dentist in Pinellas Park, FL. They will be the best person to discuss any of your oral health needs with. Dr. Wade and her team will be happy to access your smile for a denture consultation. During this time, you will find out if dentures are the right restorative dentistry option for you. You can also ask any questions you have or continue reading our Denture FAQ.

What Types of Dentures Are Available?

Dentures are a solution to replace all teeth or some teeth. Complete dentures are dentures that replace all of the teeth. Attaching these dentures to dental implants improves their stability and retention. Partial dentures are dentures that replace some but not all of the teeth. They are attached to the remaining teeth and also cover and rest on the gums and bone where the teeth are gone. Partial dentures can also be restored and stabilized by dental implants.

How Do I Take Care Of My Dentures?

Whitening: Because dentures are constructed of plastic, they cannot be whitened like natural teeth. To reduce discoloration, Dr. Wade urges patients to clean their dentures on a daily basis. Brushing your dentures with a denture brush or a soft toothbrush can keep them from becoming permanently discolored and will keep your mouth healthy. Brush on every surface. Pro tip: Do not use regular toothpaste. This is extremely harmful to your dentures. There are several denture cleaner products available at your local stores. You can soak them in a water-based cleaning solution overnight. 

What Happens If My Denture Breaks?

The best approach is to go back to your emergency dentist in Pinellas Park, FL. You’ll want to get your dentures fixed right away. Otherwise, it can be difficult to eat or talk. Dr. Wade may also have to adjust your dentures after they’ve been fixed. 

Can I Sleep While Wearing Dentures?

Yes, you can wear your dentures at night. However, it is recommended that you remove them. You should take your dentures out at night to allow your gums and bone to rest from the strain of the denture during the day. If you must wear dentures for social reasons or to keep your jaws from shutting too tightly, you should make time during the day to properly clean your mouth and dentures. Avoid wearing your dentures 24 hours a day unless you practice good dental care. It never hurts to ask your local dentist what they recommend.

What Can and Can’t I Eat With Dentures?

Most patients must learn how to properly utilize dentures, and as a result, it takes some time to get acclimated to them. You should be able to eat normally after a while, but it may take a little longer to get used to harder or stickier meals. Using a small quantity of denture glue may assist in holding the dentures in place. You can continue eating normally for the most part. We recommend staying away from extremely sticky foods. 

Chewing gum: No matter whatever kind of chewing gum you try, dentures and chewing gum do not usually go well together. Our friend Dr. Dave Moghadam, a dentist in Easton, PA, explains that the gum often adheres to the acrylic part of the denture. Gum may break a seal on the dentures, causing them to loosen. Gum may become attached to the denture and harden and discolor over time.

Are Dentures Painful?

It is typical to suffer slight soreness when you initially get your new dentures. However, this will subside once your mouth adapts to them. The duration of the pain varies. It may take longer if you previously wore dentures and now have a new set. Similarly, if you had any natural teeth present that were extracted during the process of getting new dentures, the locations where the extractions were performed may be painful or uncomfortable for several weeks after the teeth were gone. It is essential that you see your dentist in Pinellas Park, FL, on a regular basis to adjust your dentures as you heal.

If you have any further questions not covered in this denture FAQ, please contact Park Boulevard Family Dentistry.