If you are missing all of your teeth or a majority of your teeth, Dr. Hopkins or Dr. Kunz may recommend a denture or partial. Complete dentures are custom-made just for you, our goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible. They can be held in place by one of two methods:

• Conventional complete dentures are held by cheek muscles, lips, saliva, and sometimes your tongue to stay in place.

• Implant- supported dentures attach to implants that have been surgically placed in the jaw. These are considered the most comfortable and secure dentures by a majority of patients. These dentures may or may not be removable.

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What to expect:

• At first, your new denture/ partial will feel bulky or awkward. This is normal, it will take some getting used to.

• Inserting and removing the denture/ partial will require some practice.

• Follow the care instructions given at the time of the appointment. Your denture should fit into place easily, if not, do not force it, this could break the denture. 

• Sore spots are common with new dentures, if these occur please give our office a call so that we may adjust it. 

• Your ability to eat and chew should improve. Start off with soft foods that are cut into small pieces and try to keep even pressure on both sides. 

• Your denture should improve your speech, if you have difficulties in the beginning it is okay. If you practice reading out loud this will get better.

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Caring for your denture:

• Rinse your denture to remove any loose food or debris.

• Use a soft bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleaner to gently brush all the surfaces of the dentures so they don't get scratched.

• When brushing clean your mouth thoroughly- including your gums, cheeks, roof of your mouth and tongue to remove any plaque. This can help reduce the risk of oral irritation and bad breath.

• When you're not wearing your dentures, put them in a safe place covered in water to keep them from becoming warped.

• Occasionally, denture wearers may use adhesives. Adhesives come in many forms: creams, powders, pads/wafers, strips or liquids. If you use one of these products, read the instructions, and use them exactly as directed. Your dentist can recommend appropriate cleansers and adhesives; look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Products with the ADA Seal have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

 

If you have any questions about your dentures, or if they stop fitting well or become damaged, contact your dentist. Be sure to schedule regular dental checkups, too. The dentist will examine your mouth to see if your dentures continue to fit properly.

“Dentures.” Mouth Healthy TM, www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dentures.

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