Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. While they offer significant functional and aesthetic improvements, they also introduce specific requirements and potential drawbacks that require careful consideration. Understanding the realities of denture wear, from initial adjustment to long-term maintenance, is necessary to determine if they are the right choice.
Common Challenges and Adjustments
The initial period of wearing new dentures is often the most challenging, as the mouth and facial muscles must adapt. Many individuals experience mild soreness and pressure on their gums as the soft tissues adjust to the denture base. While this discomfort is common, persistent pain should prompt a visit to the dentist for adjustments, as the fit may need modifications.
Changes in speech are a frequent and temporary side effect, often including lisping or difficulty pronouncing sounds like “f” and “s.” Practicing by reading aloud helps the tongue and muscles adapt to the new shape of the mouth. The presence of a new appliance also causes an initial increase in saliva production, as the body perceives the denture as a foreign object. This excess salivation typically subsides within a few days or weeks.
Learning to eat with dentures presents a challenge, as the biting force is reduced and the appliance may slip. New wearers should begin with soft foods, cut into small pieces, and chew slowly on both sides of the mouth to stabilize the denture. Full upper dentures cover the palate, which can temporarily diminish the sensation of taste and make it difficult to gauge food temperature, requiring caution with hot items. The psychological adjustment to a removable prosthetic also takes time, but the functional and aesthetic benefits eventually outweigh the initial difficulties.
Essential Care and Preventing Complications
Poor hygiene or an improper fit can lead to long-term complications, which often cause negative perceptions of dentures. Daily removal and cleaning are necessary to prevent the accumulation of plaque and the development of oral infections. Dentures should be soaked and brushed daily with an effective, non-abrasive cleanser. Regular toothpaste must be avoided because its abrasive nature can microscopically scratch the acrylic, creating surfaces where bacteria can thrive.
Dentures should be removed overnight to give the oral tissues a chance to rest and recover from mechanical stress. When not being worn, they must be kept moist by soaking them in water or a dedicated cleaning solution to prevent the acrylic from drying out and warping. Hot or boiling water should never be used on dentures, as high temperatures can permanently distort the prosthetic’s shape.
Even a perfectly fitted denture will eventually become loose because the jawbone naturally changes shape after tooth loss (bone resorption). This recession causes the denture to lose its seal, leading to movement, chronic irritation, and potential ulcers. Regular dental check-ups are necessary so the dentist can perform relining or rebasing procedures to maintain a proper fit by adding new material to the inner surface. Relying on excessive adhesive is a sign that the denture needs professional adjustment, as an ill-fitting appliance can accelerate bone loss.
Contextualizing the Choice: Alternatives to Traditional Dentures
Traditional removable dentures are a long-standing, non-surgical option for replacing missing teeth, but fixed alternatives provide greater stability and comfort. Dental implants, which involve surgically placing titanium posts into the jawbone, offer the most natural feel and function. The primary benefit of implants is that they stimulate the jawbone, preventing the progressive bone loss that occurs beneath traditional dentures.
The trade-off for this superior function is a higher upfront cost and a more invasive procedure requiring adequate jawbone density and a healing period. Traditional dentures, in contrast, are the most affordable and least invasive option. They are suitable for patients with health conditions that preclude surgery or those with insufficient bone structure. The decision often balances budget and the desire for a fixed solution against the realities of a removable appliance.
Hybrid options, such as implant-retained dentures, offer a middle ground that addresses the primary stability issue of traditional dentures. These “snap-in” dentures use two or more dental implants as anchors, allowing the prosthetic to securely attach to the jawbone. This mechanism provides a significant improvement in retention and chewing power compared to traditional adhesive-reliant dentures. While they cost more than traditional dentures, they are generally less expensive than fully fixed restorations and provide a substantial upgrade in quality of life.