F_A_Qs

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Q. Why do I need dentures?

A. Dentures are needed to replace missing teeth, thus ensuring that maximum chewing power is maintained, any remaining teeth are stabilised and facial contours are maintained.

Q. What are dentures made of?

A. Full dentures are made with an acrylic base, into which lifelike teeth, also made of acrylic resin, are bonded. Partial dentures (those fitting around natural teeth) can have either an acrylic or metal (which is stronger, lighter and less bulky) bases on to which the resin teeth are bonded with acrylic.

Q. Why “NATURAL” dentures?

A. Using modern materials and technology “Natural” Denture Clinics make their dentures look as natural and inconspicuous as possible, so that people will not realise that you are wearing dentures.

Q. How quickly will I get used to the new dentures?

A. This will depend on a number of factors, such as, are these your first dentures? Are your new dentures going to replace existing dentures? How worn out were the old dentures? How soon do you get used to new things (such as spectacles)? As each of these points are individual, so is the “Getting used to” time, but in most cases it has been found that patients usually adjust to the changes in about three to four weeks, although it does have to be remembered that we are all individuals.

Q. My dentures hurt me, what should I do?

A. If they are new dentures, see your provider as soon as possible, as new dentures will sometimes need some adjustment for them to sit comfortably on the jaws. If you have had your dentures for some time and they then start to hurt, check that you do not have a pip or seed from a piece of fruit, or perhaps a piece of bread crust or something similar under the denture. If that seems to be the cause, wash the dentures and rinse your mouth, leave the denture(s) out for a while to let things settle. When you replace the denture if the pain persists, then see your dental professional as soon as possible.

Q. Should I use denture adhesives?

A. In some circumstances, patients wearing dentures for the first time or new dentures being fitted to very flat lower ridges may find that a denture adhesive used for a short time may help to get the patient confident in controlling their dentures, but your provider will advise you on this matter at the time of fitting your new denture. If you have had dentures for some time, and you feel that they have become loose enough for you to feel that you need something to hold them in place, then you should see your dental professional as soon as possible, loose dentures can severely damage soft tissue in the mouth, to the extent that in some cases surgery may be needed to correct such damage.

Q. How often should I clean my dentures, and what should I use?

A. Like natural teeth, dentures should be cleaned night and morning, using either soap and water and an “Extra soft” Brush, or a proprietary cleaner. Do not use toothpaste made for natural teeth as it is too abrasive and will wear out your denture, also, if you use a soaking cleaner, use it strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Too strong or too long will not improve the cleaning power, it will only, in all probability, damage the material that your denture is made of.


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