Patient Info Care of Complete & Partial Dentures
Care of Complete & Partial Dentures
The new dentures you have received are a replacement for your missing teeth. They will attempt to restore support to the jaws, increase your chewing ability, and improve your appearance. This information will assist your adjustment to new dentures.
Learn to use your new dentures
Each person is an individual, so please be patient. Your experience will be like no one else's. It could take a week to ten days before your dentures feel that they are part of your body. If you have difficulty with speech, practice by reading or talking aloud and you will soon master this problem. It is normal to have difficulty chewing efficiently during your first few meals. Try cutting your food into smaller pieces, consume smaller amounts at a time, and take time to eat slowly. You must learn to use the new denture. This is your responsibility and it will take time.
Denture Care
Always keep your mouth and your denture as clean as possible. Failure to do so may result in damage to your gums. We recommend that you remove and clean the dentures after each meal. You can use regular liquid soap or toothpaste to do this.
Dentures are slippery when wet, so brush them over a basin filled with water, or over a towel. If you should damage or drop the denture, DO NOT attempt to make your own repairs.
When your dentures are out of your mouth, store them in fresh clean water. This prevents the plastic from drying or warping. Develop the habit of examining your mouth in the mirror. This is the best insurance against oral diseases and damage to your tissue.
Placing and Removing Partial Dentures
Partial dentures should be removed and placed with your fingers. Never bite the denture into place. There is one definite path of placement and removal. If the partial denture binds, stop, remove it, and start over. Be sure you are in the correct placement path. Never force the denture into place.
Return Appointments
Be sure to return for your first scheduled appointment after receiving your new dentures. At that time the doctor will treat any sore tissue or make adjustments that may need to be done. Several return appointments may be necessary until you are completely comfortable.
Dentures are not a final treatment. Your gums will change and resorb. Periodic examinations and treatment by the doctor will be necessary. Home remedies for ill fitting dentures will aggravate the situation and probably cause greater bone and tissue loss.
If you have any questions about your dentures or your oral health, please ask your doctor.