A winning smile is one of the greatest assets you can have. And your teeth have a lot to do with it. That is why a missing tooth is a big problem for adults. It does not only present them with difficulties in chewing and enjoying their food, it also changes the way they speak and the way they look. It is no wonder that a missing tooth can be a big blow to someone’s self-confidence. The good thing is, dental patients needing tooth replacement already have a variety of options to choose from. One such solution is custom-made dentures. This solution has been used for centuries but which has undergone innovations and improvements through the years. With the use of improved x-rays and digital imaging, your dentist can now create better custom made dentures  for you, ensuring they meet the standards of how dentures should feel in your mouth.

How Should Dentures Feel In Your Mouth

• They should feel snug in your mouth.
• New dentures will feel uncomfortable during the first two days, but any discomfort and soreness will slowly dissipate in the following days. Call your dentist if you still have difficulty eating after the first week.
• You will feel something like a suction on your upper jaw to ensure they fit well. If you have dentures on your lower jaw, they may float a little higher from your jawline, but they should still feel tight and secure.
• After about a month, your dentures should feel like a natural part of your mouth.
• Once you have gotten used to your dentures, there should not be any difficulty chewing or speaking.
• They should not be too tight or too loose.

Signs that Your Dentures Do Not Fit

• They feel loose or move when you are chewing.
• You will notice sores and swelling in your mouth.
• You have frequent oral infections.
• It is uncomfortable to chew.

It is generally recommended to get new dentures every 5 to 10 years, but if you experience any of these signs, visit your dentist to see if you need to change them or if they just need to be realigned. Do not attempt to adjust your dentures yourself.

The Benefits of Wearing Dentures

• Give you the confidence to smile.
• Help get rid of any awkwardness you feel during social situations.
• Give you the confidence to speak.
• Help you pronounce words properly.
• Allow you to eat comfortably while enjoying your food.
• Bring back facial volume to your cheeks if you have experienced volume loss.
• Enhance your appearance.
• Make you look younger.
• Are a cost-effective option.
• Can be properly cleaned because they are removable.

Proper Care and Maintenance of Dentures

Just like your natural teeth, your dentures need proper cleaning and maintenance to last long. Follow these tips to keep your dentures in top condition.

• Make it a habit to clean your dentures every night.
• Soak them in water overnight after cleaning.
• Use the right temperature of water when cleaning. Hot or boiling water will affect the way they fit.
• Maintain the cleanliness of your gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use a non-abrasive denture cleaner when cleaning your dentures. That will help remove food particles, plaques, and stains.
• Keep your dentures in a container filled with water when not in use. You may also use a dental cleaning solution instead.
• Visit your dentist regularly so they can check the fit and condition of your dentures. They can also identify signs of wear or damage that you might fail to identify.

Common Questions and Answers

Soreness and discomfort

This is normal during the first few days or after adjustments. However, if discomfort is severe or continues after the first week, call or visit your dentist. This may be a sign that your dentures do not fit.

Adjustment period

At first, there will be discomfort, eating and speaking difficulties, and a lack of saliva control. However, most dental patients are able to adjust in a span of a month.

Denture adhesives

You may use denture adhesives to add stability and security. However, you should first consult with your dentist because adhesives should not act as a substitute for proper denture fit.

Denture breakage

Broken dentures should be fixed by professionals. Take your dentures to the dentist if you break them. Never attempt to fix them yourself.

Denture life

Dentures do not last forever even with the best care. They can, however, last long if you take good care of them. You are looking at a maximum of 15 years for partial dentures and 5 to 10 years for complete dentures.

Custom Made Dentures Can Change Your Life

If you have been struggling with low self-confidence, eating and speaking difficulties, or looking older than you actually are because of missing teeth, it is time to get your teeth replaced. Custom made dentures do not only feel like an extension of your mouth. They will also boost your self-confidence and allow you to enjoy eating and socializing with your friends again. Request for an appointment with a dentist today.