Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to make a new set of Dentures?
Usually, when making a Denture you will require various visits to your Dentist/Technician for several moulds/try ins to take place, ideally Dentures take approximately 6 weeks to create from start to finish.
What is the best way to keep my Dentures clean?
When handling your Dentures stand over a folded towel or basin of water; Dentures are delicate and may break if they are dropped. Do not let your Dentures dry out – place them in denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water at least twice a week when you’re not wearing them. NEVER use boiling water, this can cause your Dentures to warp.
Brushing your Dentures daily will remove any food deposits and plaque, it will also help prevent your Dentures from becoming stained – using a stiff denture brush will be more effective than a toothbrush.
Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft bristled brush before you insert your Dentures; this stimulates circulation in your tissue and helps remove plaque.
Will Dentures make me look different?
Dentures can affect your appearance, if you have missing/no teeth and have never worn Dentures before or have ill fitting Dentures, they can help to improve your overall appearance and your smile through restoring your bite and using the appropriate teeth. You will have several opportunities to try in your new teeth before the final fitting so any worries you do have make sure you discuss them with your technician/dentist.
How long will my Dentures last?
Dentures will eventually need to be replaced, even the most well kept Dentures. With proper care Dentures can last several years. Dentists recommend getting new dentures every 5 to 8 years. Over time Dentures get worn out due to the regular daily use, and your gums can gradually change shape and shrink over the years.
Will Dentures affect the way I speak?
Dentures may affect your speech but not necessarily in a negative way, this could be an improvement. If previous Dentures have been worn and poorly fitted, speech could have been affected and you may not have realised this over the time. For patients wearing new Dentures pronouncing certain words may require some practice – reading out loud and repeating more difficult words will help.
Will Dentures affect the way I eat?
It will take a little time to adjust to eating with your Dentures but over time you should return to your normal diet with a couple of exceptions. Dentures are a replacement of your natural teeth and they don’t feel exactly the same. Although your mouth and tongue readjust to your new Dentures you will need to change how you handle food. Not all foods will taste the same with your new Dentures, your mouth can also become less sensitive to hard foods, putting your Dentures at risk of breakage. You may find that you are having to season your food more – remember to take care and not drink and/or eat anything too hot. Just take it slow, cut up your food, chew more slowly and you will begin to gain more confidence; eating with Dentures will become a good experience and soon enough you will be able to eat almost the same diet as you did beforehand.
I have only lost a few teeth, is it worth having a Denture?
Yes, you could benefit from having a partial denture made. Without a partial denture your remaining teeth can start to move and adjust themselves into these spaces. This can affect your bite and your teeth could then become damaged.
Should I wear my Dentures to bed?
You can wear Dentures to bed but it is preferred that they are removed. Removing your Dentures at night gives your gums, bone and tissue a chance to relax and recover due to the pressure of wearing the Dentures all day. It is also helpful to remove your Dentures at night to allow them to be cleaned in Denture Cleansing Soaking Solution or Plain Water at least twice a week. Dentures should also be removed to perform proper oral hygiene. If removing Dentures for bed ensure that they are kept in plain cool water to prevent them from drying out and/or changing shape.