Denture Services
Dentures are an excellent option for people with missing teeth who want to maintain their oral health. These devices are designed to support the facial muscles so your face doesn’t sag and lose its shape. They can help you chew so you’re able to enjoy your favorite foods, and they make it possible to speak in your regular tones and cadence.
Dentures and Partial Dentures
There are two major types of dentures that your dentist will recommend to you: full or partial dentures. Full dentures in Rockledge, FL are designed to take the place of your natural teeth, and they are a direct replacement for missing gaps or any teeth that are too damaged to repair. An immediate set of dentures can be placed directly after the tooth loss, but a full set can only be worn after your mouth has healed.
If you’re given a full set of dentures, you won’t have any teeth remaining. Once your teeth are removed, it can take anywhere from six weeks to more than two months for the mouth to heal, which is why immediate dentures can be a convenient way to bridge the time gap. Usually, dentures will be made of at least 20 false teeth, though everyone’s treatment plan may be different.
If a dentist recommends partial dentures, it’s because you have one or more teeth that remain. These dentures are held to your mouth with a wire, and they’re excellent at lending extra support to your natural teeth. No matter which option you’re looking for, the right dentist in Rockledge can help you find one that works for you.
Adjusting to New Dentures
Adjusting to new dentures will take time, but there are things you can do on your end to speed the process along:
- Wear them often: It can feel uncomfortable at first, so it’s important to wear them no matter how they feel.
- Eat soft foods: It’s not only easier on your gums and teeth, but it can make it easier for your body to accept the new device.
- Care for your mouth: Things like hard candy can help temper the extra salivation after the procedure (as long as you don’t crunch down on it). You can also use warm salt water to help your mouth heal faster.
- Chat and relax: Talking to your friends and family (or even yourself!) helps you figure out how you’re going to speak when you’re wearing the appliance. Try not to tense up because it will feel more uncomfortable.
- Stay on a schedule: Establish an oral hygiene routine as quickly as possible after the installation. (This includes seeing your dentist regularly.)
Denture Care
Denture care starts and ends with upkeep:
- Rinsing: After you eat, you can remove your dentures to clean out any leftover debris. Whenever you handle them, you’ll want to treat them with a little TLC. While they are generally durable, you can avoid wear and tear by being gentle.
- Brush: You should be brushing any remaining teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. If you have no remaining teeth, you can use gauze on a toothbrush to go over your tongue and cheeks. You should also be soaking and brushing your dentures at least once daily to ensure that all food deposits are removed.
- Soak: Soaking the dentures will help them retain their shape. There are solutions available for this, but water will work, too. If you have questions about how exactly to store your dentures, it’s always best to check with a dentist.
- Monitor: If the dentures start to become loose for any reason, it’s important to see a professional as quickly as possible. Your dentures should be able to handle most daily activities without moving or shifting out of place.
- Avoid: You should steer clear of anything abrasive, including strong cleansers. The peroxide of whitening toothpastes, stiff-bristled brushes, and anything with bleach can damage the dentures. Even extremely hot water can cause the dentures to warp.
What to Expect When Getting Dentures
The denture process is relatively straightforward, and it typically starts with tooth removal. (Ideally, you’ll want to ask for dentures to be fitted right after you’ve lost all your teeth, though it is possible to work with people regardless of when they lost them.) Once the teeth have been removed, the dentist will take impressions of the mouth so that custom dentures can be made.
The dentist will not only take into account the shape of your mouth but also your personal bite patterns so that you can continue living your life as normally as possible. As your mouth is healing, you can help the dentist pick out the final details (color, shape, etc.) of the denture before the final fitting. You’ll be able to see a wax model to help you see exactly what it will look like.
What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures?
Dentures are made for everyday use, so they are durable to a point. If you happen to break them, either because they broke or warped in shape, you should ideally contact a dentist in Rockledge, FL, who can handle an emergency. If you don’t bring them as quickly as possible, you risk additional damage to the device, which may mean that you’ll need to replace them entirely. Be sure to bring in any pieces that you can salvage, but don’t attempt to fix them on their own. Place the dentures in the case if they’re too broken to wear.
There’s no question that the process of getting dentures and adjusting to them will take time and commitment. This transition period can prevent some people from pushing forward. However, it’s important to remember that dentures are often the only chance you have to keep up with your everyday routines. Whether you’re enjoying dinner, having a conversation, or looking in the mirror, your teeth play a pivotal role in all these activities.
At Signature Smile Family Dentistry, our team is here to help every patient get the care and the attention they need to maintain their oral health. No matter how old you are or what kind of dental history you have, we can introduce you to a more comfortable lifestyle. Throughout it all, we’ll be available as you move from one step to the next, until you’re pleased with the fit and results of full or partial dentures.