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All You Need To Know About Dentures

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As you grow old, bacteria and plaque constantly attack your teeth and gums. There are times when a person's teeth are beyond repair. If you want to give your mouth a complete makeover by getting dentures, read on to learn the procedure for getting dentures and what to expect when you get them.

What Is The Process of Getting Dentures?

The process of getting dentures takes a couple of weeks and a few appointments. Before you receive dentures, your dentist will have to look into your dental history, take photographic images and x-rays of your mouth and distinguish between the normal and unusual effects of ageing with regards to tooth loss.

Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth and determine the space between your jaws. After the dentist makes an impression of your mouth, he/she will extract your remaining teeth. Your dentist will then make models or plastic patterns that are shaped and positioned in the same way the final dentures will be. Your dentist will have you try out this model several times to assess it for shape, fit and color before casting the final denture.

Your dentist may have to shave some parts and adjust the measurements to make the final dentures comfortable.

How Will The Dentures Feel?

Dentures will feel loose or odd for a couple of weeks until your cheek muscles and tongue are able to maintain them in place and you are comfortable removing and inserting them. You might experience some soreness or irritation, and your saliva flow will increase. However, these symptoms will fade away when your mouth gets used to the dentures.

Are Dentures Worn Throughout the Day?

During the first days of having dentures, your dentist may ask you to keep them on even when going to sleep. This is the fastest way for the dentist to identify parts of the dentures that need to be adjusted. After adjustments to your dentures have been made, you will be advised to remove them when going to sleep. This allows your gum tissue to rest and allows your tongue and saliva to cleanse the mouth.

Do I Need Denture Adhesives?

Denture adhesives are powders, pastes or pads placed on/in dentures to enable them to remain in place. Properly fitted dentures do not need adhesives, but overtime, the bone structure of your mouth shrinks and your dentures loosen. Adhesives fill the gaps caused by shrinking bone and relieve you from loose dentures. Adhesives should also be worn by people who are susceptible to a dry mouth, like the elderly, people with neurologic conditions like strokes and those on cold medications.

For more information, contact a local dental clinic like Thomas Aulsebrook & Associates


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