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, then your appearance and health will benefit from replacing your missing teeth.

Dentures make it easier for you to eat and speak as opposed to not replacing missing teeth — these are things people often take for granted.

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.

While dentures take some getting used to and will never feel exactly the same as one’s natural teeth, today’s dentures are natural-looking and more comfortable than ever. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile.

TYPES OF DENTURES

Conventional: This full, removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take several months.

Immediate: This removable denture is inserted on the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw during a preliminary visit. You don’t have to be without teeth during the healing period, but may need to have the denture relined or remade after your jaw has healed.

Overdenture: Sometimes some of your teeth can be saved to preserve your jawbone and provide stability and support for the denture. An overdenture fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth after they have been prepared by your dentist. Implants can serve the same function too.

Partial denture: A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth and serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to bridges.

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH NEW DENTURES

New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place.

It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should go away. Follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted so the fit can be checked and adjusted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to consult your dentist.

HYGIENE AND YOUR DENTURES

Even if you wear full dentures, you still have to practise good dental hygiene. Brushing your dentures daily will remove food deposits and plaque, and help prevent them from becoming stained. An ultrasonic cleaner may be used to care for your dentures, but it does not replace a thorough daily brushing.

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.

If you have questions about your dentures, or if they stop fitting well or become damaged, contact your dentist. Be sure to schedule regular dental check-ups too. The dentist will examine your mouth to see if your dentures continue to fit properly.

If your dentures crack, chip, break, or become loose, don’t be tempted to adjust them yourself; this can damage them beyond repair.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. Dr Robinson is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, School of Oral Health Sciences. She may be contacted at 630-4710. Like their Facebook page, Dental Place Cosmetix Spa, for an opportunity to take advantage of weekly specials