If you have a number of missing teeth, your dentist may have suggested dentures as a possible solution. Dentures come in a number of different forms – from full to partial to implant-retained dentures. The type you have will depend on your individual case, dental history, lifestyle, budget and many other factors.

Before you get your dentures, we’ve put together the top five things we think you should know:

1. Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth

Although dentures can look incredibly realistic, they are removable false teeth, which means they don’t offer the strength and stability of natural teeth or even dental implants. That being said, they do offer a solution to missing teeth that can help restore the confidence caused by having a gappy smile.

2. The fit of your dentures may change with time

One of the problems with losing a tooth is that the underlying jawbone no longer receives the signals it needs to strengthen and hold a tooth in place via the root. This means that over time the jawbone can weaken and result in some bone loss, affecting the soft tissues of the gum too. This bone loss may affect the fit of your dentures, allowing them to become loose and uncomfortable.

One way of overcoming this issue is to have implant-retained dentures, which essentially clip on to dental implants in your jaw bone. Implant-retained dentures are held securely in the right position, giving you much needed confidence that your denture isn’t going to move when you talk, laugh or eat.

3. You will need to change your dentures

If you opt for removable full or partial dentures in Lancaster, then the dentures will probably need replacing every three to six years.

4. You will need to clean your dentures at least twice a day

You should clean your dentures just as often, and as carefully, as you would your real teeth. This means they should be cleaned at least twice a day. By keeping them clean, you can protect your mouth and gums from infection – even if you have no natural teeth left – or protect any remaining teeth you do have.

When cleaning your dentures, the first step is remove any food residue by using a cleaning paste, as recommended by your dentist. You should then soak them in a dissolvable denture cleaner, before brushing them one last time.

5. Dentures can stain

As with real teeth, dentures can stain, so you should try to cut down on caffeinated drinks and red wine. If you notice that your dentures have become particularly discoloured, your dentist may be able to offer a professional denture cleaning service to remove the troublesome stains.

6. You should take your dentures out at night

Keeping your dentures in overnight can cause your gums to become inflamed and painful, or even cause denture stomatitis, a form of oral thrush. Remember to leave your dentures soaking in a suitable cleaner during the night. Without soaking, they can crack and warp.

7. You should attend regular dental check-ups

You will need to attend regular dental practice check-ups in Lancaster, this is so that we can keep an eye on the fit of your dentures and modify them or create a new set, if necessary. Your dentist will check your dentures for tartar build-up, which can affect the fit of your dentures if left.

Even if you have no real teeth left, you can still be at risk from oral cancer and other mouth diseases. Seeing your dentist in Lancaster at least once every six months is vital to early detection.

If you would like to know more about dentures in Lancaster or caring for dentures, call us at Viva Dental Practice based in Lancaster on 01524 735 431 to book an initial consultation.