Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Dentures can make it easier to eat and speak than you could without teeth.

---

When you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile.

Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases. Depending on your needs, Drs. Hinton, Marler and Armstrong will design a partial denture for you. A partial denture may have a metal framework and clasps that connect to your teeth, or they can have other connectors that are more natural looking. Crowns on your natural teeth are sometimes needed to improve the fit of a removable partial denture. Consult with your dentist to find out which type is right for you.

More Information

• What to Expect
  • In the beginning, your new denture/partial may feel awkward or bulky. This is normal, and you will eventually become accustomed to wearing it.
  • Inserting and removing the denture/partial will require some practice. Drs. Hinton, Marler and Armstrong will help show you how before you leave our office.
  • Follow all instructions given by Drs. Hinton, Marler and Armstrong. Your denture should fit into place with relative ease. Never force the partial denture into position by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps.
  • Your dentist will give you specific instruction about how long the denture/partial should be worn and when it should be removed.
  • Initially, you may be asked to wear your denture/partial all the time. Although this may be uncomfortable at first, it's the quickest way to identify areas that may need adjustment.
  • If the denture/partial puts too much pressure on a particular area, that spot will become sore. Drs. Hinton, Marler and Armstrong will adjust the denture/partial to fit more comfortably. After making adjustments, Drs. Hinton, Marler, and Armstrong will probably recommend that you take the partial denture out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning.
  • Eating should become a more pleasant experience with dentures/partials. Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on both sides. Avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard. You may want to avoid chewing gum during the adjustment period.
  • Dentures/Partials can also help improve your speech. With time, you will become accustomed to speaking properly with your denture/partial.

• Caring for your Denture/Partial
  • Your dentures/partials should be brushed daily to remove food particles and plaque. Brushing also can help keep the teeth from staining.
  • With partials, you need to still use a fluoride toothpaste for your natural teeth. They need to be taken care of, brushing twice a day and flossing.
  • Complete denture wearers still need practice good hygiene. Brush your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.
  • When cleaning a denture/partial, it’s a good idea to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water just in case you accidentally drop the denture.
  • Rinse your dentures before brushing to remove any loose food or debris.
  • Use a soft bristle toothbrush or a brush that is designed for cleaning dentures because it has bristles that are arranged to fit the shape of the denture. Also, use a non-abrasive cleanser to gently brush all the surfaces of the dentures so they don't get scratched. Drs. Hinton, Marler and Armstrong can recommend a denture cleaner. Look for denture cleaners with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. Don’t chew, swallow, or gargle with denture cleansers.
  • Always thoroughly rinse the denture before placing it in your mouth.
  • When you’re not wearing your dentures or partials, put them in a safe place covered in water to keep them from warping.
  • 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. We 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.

• Adjustments

  Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, resulting in a poorly fitting denture.

  Dentures that do not fit properly should be adjusted by Drs. Hinton, Marler and Armstrong. Poorly fitting dentures can cause various problems, including sores or infections. You can do serious harm to your denture and to your health by trying to adjust or repair your denture. See Drs. Hinton, Marler and Armstrong if your denture becomes loose, and maintain your regular visits, too.