A denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth. It can be partial or full, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. Complete dentures replace all the teeth in an arch, while a partial denture fills in spaces left by a few missing teeth. You may wear a full upper or lower set; both sets together, or just a partial denture! Dr. Baker works with you to create comfortable custom dentures that fit your unique smile.
Denture Placement & Aftercare
Once your dentist has determined that you’re a candidate for dentures, we will need to take impressions of your mouth. These impressions will be sent to the lab where your dentures will be made, so it’s important to choose a dentist who is well-known for making high-quality dentures. Your dentist may also make a wax model of your bite to show how your dentures will look once they’re placed in your mouth. Once your dentures are ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office to have them placed and adjusted. While some patients report feeling uncomfortable with their dentures at first, many find that their dentures feel natural after a week or two of wearing them regularly.
To care for your new dentures, make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them gently daily. Brush the inside and outside of your upper and lower teeth as well as the surface underneath the denture plate. Avoid using abrasive cleansers to avoid damaging dentures. Also, avoid using toothpaste with whitening agents since these can discolor acrylic surfaces. Some people have success with soaking their dentures overnight in a denture solution or in water with a denture-cleaning tablet. However, if you wear an upper denture that clips onto your lower teeth, it’s generally safe to soak all your teeth together.
Maintaining a healthy mouth while wearing dentures does take some work. You’ll need to be sure to remove and clean your dentures every night before bed and brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled brush or a Waterpik. It’s also important to stick to a healthy diet and continue to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Ask your dentist for more advice on caring for your dentures.
Dr. Lisa Baker and her caring team want their Bloomington area patients to enjoy beautiful, healthy smiles. For more information on dental procedures, call us for a consultation at (812) 269-8230.
