Adjusting to Life With Dentures

Whether you’re getting complete or partial dentures, there’s an adjustment period when you start wearing them. You also need to learn how to properly care for them. These sometimes-removable plates look like real teeth, and while they may feel strange at first, and you may have some mouth issues, we help you get to the point where wearing them is second nature. 

When you visit us at Healthy Smile Dental in Woodridge, Illinois, Dr. Hannah Baek, DDS,

not only fits you for your dentures; she makes sure you know all you need to know about them. And should they require any adjustments, we’ll keep in regular touch with you and have you come back as needed. This may be a big change, so you’ll need to patient.

Getting used to dentures

A partial denture is also called a bridge because it bridges the gap in between the natural teeth that remain in your mouth. A removable bridge has the artificial teeth attached to a base that resembles your gums, while a fixed bridge attaches to crowns placed on your real teeth. 

Both of these types of dentures will keep your existing teeth in the right position and prevent them from moving.

Complete dentures are just what they sound like, used if you have no natural teeth, or if the ones you do have left need to be removed. If teeth need to be extracted, your mouth and gums need to heal before the dentures can be put in place. 

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures can go in at the same time teeth are taken out, but immediate dentures will need adjustments, as your gums and bones can change while your mouth heals.

Taking care of dentures

Any time you introduce something new into your life, there’s a learning curve and period of adjustment, dentures included. Dr. Baek likely wants you to wear them 24/7 for the first few days, giving her the opportunity to make sure they fit properly and aren’t causing any pain or discomfort. 

Dr. Baek makes adjustments as needed along the way. Once the fit is correct, you take them out at night to give your mouth the circulation it needs and to keep everything clean.

Cleaning your mouth and the dentures themselves is so important. Here are some of the basics:

• Adjust your eating habits
• Take your dentures out and rinse them after eating
• Carry a toothbrush and brush often 
• Be gentle with your dentures

When the dentures are out for the night, brush your teeth, tongue, and gums, and gently brush the dentures before soaking them overnight. Before you place them back in your mouth, make sure to rinse them off, as the cleaning solution must not be swallowed. 

Don’t bleach your dentures, use a whitening or abrasive toothpaste on them, or put them in hot water, as any plastic parts can melt. 

It’s our job to get your smile back. Call us or book online for an appointment, and let us take you through the whole denture process.