Dentures are dental tools applied to the teeth to replace missing teeth. They are removable and available in two types: partial dentures and complete dentures.

Complete dentures

Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing and these dentures can cover the surface of the gums completely. They are also known as conventional dentures or immediate dentures. These dentures are placed in the mouth after all the teeth are removed and the gums have had time to heal. Generally, they are placed after 12 weeks of the healing period. Also, there is a slight difference between conventional dentures and immediate dentures. Immediate dentures are prepared beforehand and are ready to be placed in the mouth as soon as the teeth are removed. However, these dentures are only used until conventional dentures are being prepared, because during the healing period the gums and the surrounding tissue of teeth undergo massive changes and may grow. After these tissues have settled in shape, conventional dentures are applied. Immediate dentures are only used as substitutes so the patient has no need to walk around without teeth, which would obviously be uncomfortable for all of us.

Partial dentures

These are used when some teeth are missing. Here, typically the patient wants the gap to be covered and also needs assistance in chewing. Partial dentures are removable and have a plastic base that resembles gum tissue. It also has a metallic framework to stay put in its position. An artificial tooth is placed over such dentures. A fixed bridge is used to cover most of the missing teeth with the help of crowns. The rest of the space is fitted with the denture. These dentures also help other teeth stay in place and they prevent movement.

Both these dentures are prepared by using moulds that are created by taking impressions of the teeth. Several sample models are created using these impressions. The patient is made to try on these models and the dentist decides which kind of denture needs to be applied. This model is used as a blueprint to create the actual model of the denture. Once these dentures are created and fitted into the mouth, the patient is advised to take proper care of them. If the patient fails to properly care for these dentures, it can affect their appearance and also affect them functionally.

Let us understand how to properly take care of dental dentures.

Clean the dentures after eating

Dentures can easily get food particles stuck in them. The patient may brush their teeth twice but, in the meantime, the stuck food particles can affect the performance of the dentures. So, it is recommended to remove the dentures after every meal and clean them with water and a cleaning solution or toothpaste. The patient must be very gentle during cleaning the dentures as they are very flexible and can easily bend into an undesirable shape. Also, during brushing teeth, it is important to be gentle with areas that have dentures.

Storing dentures

Dentures are supposed to be removed during night-time and are supposed to be soaked in a cleaning solution that is provided by the clinic or in water. Storing them in moisture is recommended to retain their shape. Usually, the dentures are provided with instructions about storing solutions. If such information is not provided, the patient can always reach out to the dentist and can clarify all the doubts about storing conditions for dentures.

Regular dental check-ups

Dental check-ups are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of dental dentures. It is essential to schedule an appointment every few months to keep the dentures in check. The appointment may also include cleaning and replacement. The teeth are also checked for bacterial growth, if there is any of it observed, the teeth are immediately cleansed with the help of professional tools. Dental check-ups also ensure that the dentures are functioning properly and have no cracks or dents in them.

Eating properly

The patient cannot exactly return to old, typical ways of eating food. It may also require a little bit of rehearsal. Until the patient is completely used to having dentures, they should stick to eating soft, whole foods like soft fruits, vegetable stew, porridge, etc. To resume normal eating, the patient must take care of a few things. Food must be chewed from both sides of the mouth and not just one. Doing so helps keep dentures on both sides equally functional, while eating from one side alone may even damage the dentures. Chewing must be gentle and yet should exert enough pressure to completely break down food particles. Whereas foods that are very hot and have rough surfaces should be consumed with utmost precaution. Foods that have sticky surfaces should be avoided altogether as they can get caught and stick to dentures, making them dysfunctional. Chewing gums in particular is also very sticky and must be avoided. Toothpicks are also an exception.

Removing dentures

It is essential to remove dentures at the right time and correct intervals. During the initial few days of getting dentures, the patient may be prescribed to wear the dentures throughout the day and the night.  However, after a few days, they are recommended to be removed during night-time. Removal of dentures helps the gum tissue breathe and enhances saliva production which helps in keeping the gum surface germ-free. The same dentures are supposed to be worn the next morning unless they are damaged in any way. However, there is a catch. Before wearing these dentures again, the teeth are supposed to be clean and the dentures are also supposed to be cleansed using a cleansing solution or with the help of a toothbrush or toothpaste.

Use of adhesives

Adhesives are substances that help the dentures stick to the surface of the teeth. They can be used almost by any patient and their application is also very easy. However, in conditions like poor oral hygiene, sensitive teeth, etc. use of adhesives should be avoided. Also, if the patient is allergic to any of the ingredients present in the adhesive, its use should strictly be avoided.