Treatments / Everyday dentistry
Dentures
Dentures, or false teeth, replace several missing teeth or a whole arch. A well-made denture is stable enough to eat and speak with. Where a conventional denture keeps moving, implants can be used to anchor it, which is usually the difference between wearing one and giving up on it.
Who this is for
- Several missing teeth
- A full arch to replace
- An existing denture that is loose or sore
What actually happens
- Impressions and bite records
- A trial fitting so the shape and shade can be adjusted before it is finished
- Fitting, then review appointments to settle any sore spots
Complete, partial or implant-supported?
A complete denture replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. It is held by a close fit against the gums and, for the upper one, by suction against the palate. A lower denture has less to grip, so it tends to move more.
A partial denture replaces some teeth and holds onto the ones you still have, usually with small clasps. It also stops the remaining teeth drifting into the gaps.
An implant-supported denture clips onto a small number of implants in the jaw. In most cases it still comes out for cleaning, but it clicks into place instead of relying on fit alone. It needs enough bone for the implants.
Getting used to new dentures
The first few weeks take some adjusting for most people. The denture can feel bulky, you may make more saliva for a while, and some words, especially those with s and f sounds, can come out differently. Reading aloud at home helps your tongue and lips get used to it.
Start with soft food cut into small pieces, and chew on both sides at the same time so the denture stays level. Harder and stickier food can come back gradually.
Sore spots are common early on, and the review visits are there to deal with them. Do not file or adjust the denture yourself; come in and it can be eased where it presses.
Care, relining and replacement
Take the denture out and clean it every day, and rinse it after meals. Use a soft brush with a denture cleaner or mild soap rather than ordinary toothpaste, which can scratch it, and avoid hot water, which can warp it. Clean it over a basin of water or a folded towel, so it does not break if you drop it.
Your gums and the bone under them keep slowly changing shape after teeth are lost, so a denture that fitted well can loosen over the years. Signs it needs attention: it rocks or drops, food gets underneath, or new sore spots appear. A reline reshapes the fitting surface to your gums as they are now. When the teeth are worn down or the denture is cracked, a new one usually makes more sense.
Even with no natural teeth left, regular check-ups are worth keeping so your gums and the rest of your mouth are looked at. A sore or ulcer that has not healed in three weeks should be checked, whether or not it is under the denture.
Denture and full-mouth cases are handled by Dr. Shourya, our prosthodontist.
Getting a denture right takes a trial fitting and a few review visits after it is fitted. Coming from Gachibowli or Film Nagar? See where we are and when we are open.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to get used to new dentures?
For most people, a few weeks, though it varies. The review visits after fitting are there to sort out sore spots and small changes along the way.
Should I sleep with my dentures in?
Usually not. Taking them out at night rests your gums and makes cleaning easier. Keep them in water or a soaking solution so they do not dry out. Your dentist will tell you if your case is different.
Do I need denture adhesive?
A well-fitting denture should not need much. A little adhesive helps some people feel more secure, but if you find you need more and more of it, the denture probably needs relining or replacing.
What if my denture breaks?
Keep all the pieces and call the clinic. Do not glue it yourself, because even a small misalignment changes how it fits, and whether it can be repaired or needs replacing depends on the break.
