DentAlign NYC Can Answer Your Questions About Dentures
When you are missing teeth, it not only affects the appearance of your smile, but also the functionality. When you have gaps or numerous missing teeth, it can be difficult and uncomfortable to eat and speak. DentAlign NYC has many options to replace missing teeth that will restore your smile. One option we provide is the fitting of custom dentures at our New York City office. Whether you are missing a few teeth or a complete arch, we have a denture solution to restore your smile and get you back to your normal daily life. We’ve put together a list of commonly asked questions about dentures to help you gather all the information you need. Please feel free to contact us should you have additional questions.
WHO NEEDS DENTURES?
Anyone who is missing teeth can benefit from wearing dentures, as they will restore the appearance and function of your smile. Whether you are missing a few teeth, or you are completely without any natural teeth, dentures are able to provide an appropriate solution. If you are missing teeth, you’ll find that dentures not only improve your chewing and speech but also provide facial support that can significantly improve your appearance.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTURES?
Depending on the type of tooth loss you have, there are a variety of denture solutions. For example, a person missing two or three teeth will need a different solution than someone who is edentulous, or has no remaining natural teeth. At DentAlign NYC, our dental professionals can assess your tooth loss and determine which solution will provide the best results for your lifestyle and needs. The different types of dentures include:
- Full: Full dentures are used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. This type of denture will include an arch of artificial teeth attached to a pink plastic base, which will slip over the gum. The dentures will be held in place using adhesive, allowing you to eat, drink, and speak as you normally would.
- Partial: Partial dentures are used to replace a few missing teeth. They are made up of artificial teeth on a plastic base and snap into place using metal clasps. Partial dentures can be removed as necessary for cleaning.
- Immediate: Immediate dentures are placed immediately after all remaining teeth are removed. This means you will not have to be without teeth during the healing period. The primary drawback to immediate dentures is that they will need to be adjusted over time, as the bone and gums will shrink during the healing period.
- Overdenture: An overdenture is a type of removable denture that fits over the top of a few remaining natural teeth or dental implants. In order to provide appropriate support to the overdenture, the natural teeth must be prepared before placement.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF GETTING DENTURES?
Getting dentures is a process that often takes a few weeks and requires three to five visits to your dentist. The process begins with taking an impression and making a mold of your gums or teeth. We’ll also measure how you bite. This information will be used to create a preliminary denture. Next, you’ll complete a wax try-in where you will get to try the new denture before it is completely finished. This will allow the doctor to see how the denture will fit and make any adjustments if necessary. Lastly, you’ll come back for your final fitting and get to wear your new teeth home. Higher-end dentures may require additional appointments to ensure an appropriate fit.
WILL I BE ABLE TO EAT WITH MY DENTURES?
You will definitely be able to eat with your dentures. It may just take a little practice. You’ll want to start with soft foods that are in small pieces. Be sure to chew using both sides of the mouth to prevent the dentures from tipping or shifting. As you become more used to your dentures, you can begin adding other foods until you fully return to your normal diet. It’s recommended that you stay away from especially hard or sticky foods and to use caution when eating or drinking items that are very hot.
WILL DENTURES CHANGE HOW I SPEAK?
Because your dentures will feel different than your natural teeth, talking as you normally would produce some challenges at first. These issues will often go away with practice. You may find that reading aloud and repeating words that are troublesome. Doing this will eventually help your speaking habits return to normal. If you’re having issues with your dentures clicking while you speak, trying to talk more slowly can help. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist if you have speaking problems that persist.
SHOULD I USE DENTURE ADHESIVE?
While denture adhesive can help provide additional stability and retention, it is not the answer for old and ill-fitting dentures. Adhesive should only be used with properly fitting dentures as an extra source of support. If you find that your dentures are slipping or shifting significantly, don’t simply try to rectify the problem with adhesive. Rather, you should see your dentist right away to see if an adjustment needs to be made. Poorly fitting dentures can lead to discomfort as well as to the development of bone loss or sores. So, it’s best to consult with your doctor if you seem to be having issues.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY DENTURES ARE LOOSE?
It’s not uncommon for dentures to loosen over the years. Your gum tissues and bone may shrink slightly, resulting in a looser fit for your dentures. This can also occur if you gain or lose weight. If this happens to you, you’ll want to see your dentist as soon as possible, as your dentures likely need to be relined. Relines can be completed the same day, allowing you to address the problem quickly. It’s important to know that If the bases of your dentures are already damaged or worn out, you may need to replace the dentures altogether.
SHOULD I BRUSH MY DENTURES AS I WOULD NATURAL TEETH?
You should always try to clean your dentures after each meal. This can include a simple rinse under water as well as brushing. However, you’ll want to use a soft toothbrush or invest in a special denture brush. You should also be sure to use special denture cleaner instead of regular toothpaste. Standard toothpaste made for natural teeth is too abrasive for dentures. You should also brush your dentures at night before soaking them while you sleep. Following proper cleaning methods will help your dentures last and fit well for many years.
SINCE I DON’T HAVE NATURAL TEETH, WILL I STILL NEED CHECKUPS?
Even if you have full dentures and no remaining natural teeth, you will still want to visit your dentist regularly. This will allow your dentist to examine your oral tissues and the fit of your dentures. Your mouth will continue to change as you age because your bones will shrink or recede. This means your dentures will have to be adjusted according to those changes to ensure a tight fit. Seeing your dentist regularly will ensure any issues are addressed early before they cause damage to the bone or painful sores.
CAN MY DENTURES BE REPAIRED?
Yes, your dentures can be repaired, but only by a professional. In most cases, your dentures can be repaired if any part breaks, cracks, or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose. We can usually complete these repairs on the same day, so you can get right back to daily life. It’s important that you never attempt to fix or adjust your dentures yourself, as proper training is needed to do so correctly. Trying to fix your dentures on your own can end up causing more damage, which means a more expensive repair or replacement.
WILL MY DENTURES HAVE TO BE REPLACED?
Unfortunately, dentures do not last forever, but with proper care, you can ensure you get the most use out of them. With normal wear and tear, you can expect your dentures to last about five to seven years. Dentures can last longer depending on what you eat and the status of your bone structure. While poor-fitting dentures can sometimes be relined and still used, there are other cases where you’ll need to replace them with a new set. For example, if the teeth are beginning to show significant wear, are loose, or are beginning to cause sores on your gums, it’s time to think about replacing the dentures.
