Expert denture care from the Sunshine Coast’s respected practice
Denture care
How long will it take before my new dentures feel comfortable?
It will generally take you a while to get used to wearing dentures, whether it’s for the first time or if you’ve just had them replaced. The time this takes will differ from person to person, and can take anything from a few weeks to a few months. Most new dentures are slightly higher than previous teeth and your mouth muscles will need time to adapt to the new teeth.
It will generally take you a while to get used to wearing dentures, whether it’s for the first time or if you’ve just had them replaced. The time this takes will differ from person to person, and can take anything from a few weeks to a few months. Most new dentures are slightly higher than previous teeth and your mouth muscles will need time to adapt to the new teeth.
Why do I get sore spots from my new dentures?
New dentures can often rub and cause sore spots just after they’ve been fitted, as your mouth takes time to adapt to them. If this problem persists for more than half a day, we can adjust the dentures for you. If you’re experiencing pain or have developed mouth ulcers as a result, you should visit our clinic for professional treatment. Your gums will not “toughen up” so it’s important to ensure your dentures have been fitted correctly.
Why don’t my dentures fit anymore?
Over time, all gums shrink and this is especially true following the removal of teeth. With this in mind, dentures will always have to be relined after two to three years, and remade after about six to seven years. It’s important to have regular check-ups as badly fitting dentures will damage your mouth.
How long will my dentures take to feel comfortable?
Getting used to your new dentures will take time. We recommend beginning by eating softer foods and cutting them into small pieces, before moving onto more difficult foods. The most important thing is to be patient and not expect too much too soon.
When should I see my prosthetist again?
We encourage our patients to contact us if they’re experiencing any problems or have any questions about their new dentures.
Why do I have to remove my dentures when I go to bed?
It’s important to always remove your dentures before you go to sleep, as it will allow your gums to ‘breathe’. All mouths have a natural population of fungus and bacteria that is usually kept within normal counts through drinking, eating and swallowing. However, when your dentures are in your mouth, they provide the perfect protective environment for these bacteria. Failure to remove dentures will only encourage a breeding ground for bacteria under the dentures, causing damage and pain to your gums. We advise that you soak your dentures in water overnight to prevent this.
How do I clean my dentures?
Proper maintenance of your dentures will ensure healthy gums and we recommend washing them with soap and water, avoiding toothpaste, which is more abrasive. Polident Fresh Cleanse is a good alternative toothpaste for dentures as it’s much gentler. Regular cleaning of your dentures is as important as cleaning your natural teeth, as it will prevent plaque build-up.
You should:
- Soak your dentures once a week in water, adding a tablespoon of a chlorine-based domestic cleaner such as Miltons, Napisan or White King to sterilize them. Leave them in the solution for just 10 minutes , then remove them, brush them and leave the dentures in water overnight.
- If you have any stains on your dentures which you cannot remove, simply return them to us for a professional clean.
Is there anything I can use to clean both my natural teeth and my dentures?
Sensodyne Total Care Gel is great for using with partial dentures, as it benefits both the dentures and your natural teeth and gums. The dental industry uses a standard measure of RDA for the abrasion of toothpastes. The average toothpaste is around RDA 100, with Sensodyne Total Care rated at RDA 49.
Do I still need to brush my natural teeth when I wear a partial denture?
Yes. It’s important to continue brushing your natural teeth and gums, removing the dentures first and cleaning them separately. We also recommend that you visit your dentist regularly to maintain the health of any remaining natural teeth.
Immediate dentures
What is an immediate denture?
Immediate dentures are dentures that are fitted to the mouth straight after teeth have been removed, and can be either full or partial. They should always be replaced with more permanent dentures afterwards as this is just a temporary solution.
What are the benefits of immediate dentures?
Immediate dentures can protect your gums from infection after teeth removal, by leaving them less exposed. They can also reduce swelling and will give you the appearance of teeth rather than empty gums, which helps boost confidence. Bleeding of the gum sockets can also be better controlled if immediate dentures are fitted, and there will be less dry sockets caused by loss of blood clots.
What happens immediately after my teeth have been extracted?
Your dentist will offer you help and advice regarding the use of your dentures and when to remove them for cleaning.
How long will it take before my gums stop shrinking?
Tooth extraction always results in gum shrinkage, but this should abate after about 10 weeks. Up until this time however, the shrinkage will be rapid and will cause your dentures to become loose. The resulting movement may result in ulcers, so if you need adjustments, it’s important to book an appointment with your prosthetist.
Over the next two years, your gums will continue to shrink, but at a slower rate. The most accelerated shrinkage will subsequently occur in the first six to nine months.
When should I have relines?
Relines are required if your dentures have loosened because of gum shrinkage and are moving around in your mouth. This process will ensure a snug fit and prevent mouth ulcers from occurring. As your gums will continue to shrink for some months, we’ll generally carry out a few temporary relines before the first permanent reline takes place.
Will my immediate dentures ever need to be remade?
There’s a chance that your dentures may have to be remade after a couple of years, if you’ve had a large number of teeth removed and your gums have significantly changed shape. In this instance, this will come at an extra cost.
Why do I find wearing my dentures to be so difficult?
Wearing dentures for the first time can be a daunting task and can feel very cumbersome in the mouth. As your dentures begin to loosen, they will move around and become less efficient. It may also take a while to become efficient at eating.
As your gum heals, you will get better at managing your dentures and your eating ability will increase. It may be frustrating to begin with, but with a little patience, you will reap the rewards.
If you have any further questions or queries, or would like to discuss any of these issues further, then please contact our friendly team at Maroochy Dental Clinic. We’re here to help.