We get many questions about dentures at Victory Plaza Dental Group in North Hollywood, CA. Some of the most common are, “Can dentures be worn all the time?” and, “Are upper dentures hard to get used to?” The following FAQ will provide you with answers to some of our most popular denture-related questions.
What are dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic devices designed to realistically mimic the look, feel, and function of regular teeth. They are custom-made to fit over your gums by a dentist and are removable for cleaning. Full and partial sets of dentures are available, depending on how many replacement teeth you require. If they are properly fit, dentures can enhance your natural appearance since they shape the jaw area.
What are some different types of dentures?
There are many kinds of dentures. Traditional full dentures take the place of the upper, lower, or both rows of teeth. Partial dentures bond to existing teeth so they can substitute for a portion of a row of natural teeth. Snap-in dentures snap into the jawbone using snaps that we can implant into the jawbone. We can create same-day dentures on the same day your teeth are removed and are sometimes called immediate dentures.
Who is a candidate for dentures?
Many of our patients assume that losing teeth means they must get fitted for dentures. This is not true. We can examine your mouth and give you a list of suitable options. Then, we can discuss your needs, goals and help you determine if dentures are a good choice for your situation.
How much do dentures cost?
If you get upper and lower dental plates for same-day dentures, you can expect them to cost around $3,000. Traditional dentures typically cost a bit less. Teeth removal adds to the cost for either type of dentures. If you go to another Dallas-area dentist, they may charge between $176 and $239 for the consultation, exam, and x-ray that we perform for free at Victory Plaza Dental Group. Learn more about average cost of dentures in North Hollywood, CA.
Are there any alternatives to dentures?
Yes. We can install dental implants as an alternative to fitting you for dentures. You can think of dental implants as a type of non-removable denture. We first place a root-like device, typically a titanium screw, into your jawbone. This device, then, needs between three to six months to fuse with your jawbone. Once this device has become a part of your jawbone, we can build an artificial tooth around it.
Is wearing dentures 24 7 OK?
Patients frequently ask us, “Can you keep dentures in overnight?” Theoretically, wearing dentures 24 7 is possible, but it is not a good idea. When you have natural teeth, pressure on your teeth promotes the growth of supporting bone. Dentures don’t provide this pressure, so the bone is lost more rapidly. When you continually wear dentures, you are also less likely to clean them. This makes you more likely to develop gum disease, pneumonia, and other diseases.
Can you keep dentures in overnight?
You should leave dentures in overnight during the first twenty-four hours you have them. After your second-day fitting appointment, you should take them out each night for nightly cleaning and rest your gums.
How well do dentures work?
Dentures work well if you’re honest with your dentist. Please tell us if you have any painful areas or have difficulty chewing. Even if you’ve had dentures for years, your jawbone and other oral structures will change. Speak up, and we’ll work to make your dentures work for you.
What are upper dentures?
Upper dentures are dentures that replace the top or upper teeth. At first, many patients fear that upper dentures may fall out and embarrass them. Upper dentures, however, are easier to get used to than lower dentures.
How painful is it to get dentures?
Denture fitting should not be painful at all, and we’ll do everything we can to help you manage your pain. If you feel any pain or discomfort, please let us know to adjust your pain relief. Talking to your dentist about pain management is essential. Ideally, it would be best if you discussed your concerns before getting dentures. You also might want to use hand signals to let your dentist know when you need more pain relief.
What are implant-supported dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are a mixture of four to six dental implants and dentures. Initially, you receive dental implants. These dental implants require three to six months to fuse with your jawbone successfully. Then, dentures are securely attached to your dental implants. If you want these dentures removed, you need your dentist to remove them for you.
Do dentures feel like real teeth?
The surface of dentures feels like natural teeth. The sensation of wearing dentures is rather distinct. Since your dentures don’t have living tissue and nerves at their core, your nerves won’t give you the same type of feedback you’d get from the roots of natural teeth. After several weeks and an adjustment appointment or two, you’ll get used to wearing your dentures.
What are permanent dentures?
A permanent denture is another name for an implant-supported denture. Since these dentures have a component anchored in the jawbone, they feel more like natural teeth. Since you can’t remove them, they feel more like permanent teeth.
See Also What are Temporary Partial Denture
What should I do if my dentures are loose?
If your dentures are loose, please call your dentist immediately. Loose dentures don’t work properly and can damage your gums. Please do not try to file them down or in any way fix them yourself. You’ll only damage them and possibly injure yourself.
How long do dentures last?
The average lifespan for dentures is seven to ten years. If you grind your teeth, eat acidic foods or smoke, your dentures will wear down sooner than that. Age-related changes in your jawbone can also alter the fit of your dentures and shorten their usable years. While we can make minor adjustments, you might need a new pair of dentures if your current pair doesn’t fit well.
Can dentures cause gum disease?
Yes. If food gets trapped in between your dentures and your gums, it can cause gum disease. The process that causes gum disease around natural teeth can also cause gum disease near your dentures. Therefore, you need to care for your gums thoroughly. Remember to brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth each day before putting in your dentures.
How do you care for dentures?
It will help if you soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution. Brush them gently each morning with a soft-bristled brush or a specialty denture brush. Stick to plain soap and warm water for this morning cleaning. Use toothpaste on your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Please don’t household cleaning products on your dentures because they are much too abrasive, acidic, and potentially toxic.
What are the best adhesives for dentures?
The best dental adhesives are those recommended by your dentist. It would be best if you were sure that your adhesive has the ADA Seal of Approval. This means the American Dental Association has found it is a safe, effective product. In addition to using the correct product, please be sure to apply it according to the directions. When it comes to dental adhesive, more is not better.
What are immediate dentures?
Immediate dentures are same-day dentures. These are dentures that we can fit you for on the day of your dental extraction. Traditional dentures require an appointment to extract teeth and a follow-up visit to fit dentures. Therefore, immediate dentures eliminate the need to spend any time without teeth. They are a bit more expensive than traditional dentures but are much more convenient.
Do dentures look like real teeth?
A common fear many of our patients have is wearing dentures that make them look like their grandparents. With today’s technology, you can preserve your youthful good looks while improving your dental health. We have many shades of white material available for teeth and natural pink shades for the gums and roof of the mouth. These factors ensure your dentures look as authentic as possible.
Can I speak normally with dentures?
You might think your speech sounds much different with dentures. Since sound travels through your jawbone and oral structures, your speech will sound different to you. This change is most apparent to you, but you can practice speaking for added confidence. To prevent your dentures from clicking, you should keep your dentures clean and carefully apply denture adhesive.
Wearing dentures can give you the freedom to eat, laugh, and live again. It can also be a major decision that requires careful contemplation. At North Hollywood Dentist, Victory Plaza Dental Group, we’ve helped many patients with denture-related concerns, and we’d like to do the same for you. Please contact us today and we’ll give you a free dental consultation, including X-ray and exam.