Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues, restoring the ability to eat, speak, and smile. Understanding the process from beginning to end can help set realistic expectations for the transition and adaptation period. This guide details the fabrication steps, the initial adjustment phase, and the long-term care required for successful denture use.
The Process of Receiving Dentures
The process begins with an assessment to determine the most suitable type of denture. Dentures generally fall into three categories: conventional full, partial, and immediate. Conventional full dentures are fabricated after all remaining teeth have been extracted and the gum tissues have completely healed, a process that takes several weeks to months. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain, utilizing existing teeth and soft tissue ridges for support and retention.
Immediate dentures are prepared in advance and inserted immediately following extractions, ensuring the patient does not have a period without teeth. This pre-fabrication involves taking impressions and measurements before the extractions occur. Because the jawbone and gums shrink significantly during the post-extraction healing phase, immediate dentures are temporary. They will require multiple adjustments or a reline to maintain a proper fit as the tissues change.
The fabrication process for conventional and partial dentures involves multiple appointments, starting with taking detailed impressions (molds) of the upper and lower arches. These molds are sent to a lab to create a customized appliance, including selecting the tooth shade and setting markers for lip support. Dentists conduct a “wax try-in” to confirm the aesthetics and bite before the final denture is processed. The final delivery appointment involves fitting the completed prosthetic and making minor adjustments to ensure comfort and a secure fit.
Navigating the Initial Weeks of Adjustment
The first few weeks after receiving a new prosthetic are the most challenging as the mouth adapts. It is normal to experience mild soreness and the development of sore spots where the denture edges contact the gums. Your dentist will need to make multiple minor adjustments to relieve these pressure points, as persistent irritation will not resolve on its own.
Increased saliva production is a common initial reaction, which is the body’s natural response, but this should subside within a few days. The dentures may also feel bulky initially. The muscles of the cheeks, tongue, and jaw need time to learn new coordination patterns to keep the appliance in place. Most people find this sensation less noticeable as they become accustomed to the prosthetic’s new contours.
Re-learning to eat requires a conscious change in technique and a gradual progression of food textures. Start with soft foods, such as mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables, and cut all food into small, manageable pieces. To prevent the denture from tipping or moving, chew slowly and distribute pressure evenly on both sides of the mouth. While many foods can be reintroduced, tough, sticky, or very hard foods may continue to pose a challenge.
Speaking with new dentures also requires practice, as the tongue needs to find a new position for proper articulation. You may initially experience a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, such as “s,” “f,” and “th.” Reading aloud and practicing in front of a mirror helps the tongue and facial muscles adapt more quickly, leading to clearer pronunciation within a few weeks.
Your dentist will provide a specific wearing schedule for the first few days. This may involve keeping immediate dentures in constantly, even while sleeping, as they act like a bandage to control swelling. Once the initial healing period is over, it is recommended to remove the dentures nightly. This allows the gum tissue to rest and recover from the mechanical stress of all-day wear.
Essential Daily Care and Long-Term Maintenance
Proper daily care is fundamental to maintaining the hygiene and longevity of your prosthetic and the health of your oral tissues. Dentures must be cleaned at least twice daily to remove plaque biofilm and food debris. Use a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive cleanser specifically designed for prosthetics. Regular toothpaste should be avoided, as abrasive particles can create microscopic scratches on the acrylic surface, encouraging bacterial growth.
The nightly routine should include removing the dentures and soaking them in an appropriate denture solution or plain water to keep the material hydrated, preventing warping and brittleness. This removal is also an opportunity to gently clean your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft brush or cloth. Partial denture wearers must maintain meticulous care of remaining natural teeth, as they are susceptible to decay and periodontal issues, especially around the clasps.
Denture adhesives may be recommended for added security, but they should never be used to mask the problem of a poorly fitting denture. A secure fit is necessary because the underlying jawbone naturally changes and shrinks over time due to the lack of stress from natural tooth roots, a process called alveolar ridge resorption.
To compensate for these changes, dentures require periodic adjustments and professional maintenance. A reline involves resurfacing the tissue side of the denture base to improve the fit with the changing contours of the gum. This procedure is needed every few years, though the timeline varies based on the rate of bone remodeling. Wearing an ill-fitting denture long-term can accelerate bone loss and cause chronic irritation. Complete replacement is necessary after five to ten years, as the materials wear down and the overall fit becomes compromised.