Choosing the Right Denture for You
If you’ve lost all of your teeth in an arch, full dentures replace the entire row, upper, lower, or both. If you still have healthy teeth remaining, partial dentures fill the gaps while preserving what you have. Our dentist will examine your remaining teeth and gum health at your consultation to recommend the option that fits your mouth and your goals.
Your Denture Consultation and Timeline
Getting dentures starts with an exam and, if needed, a plan to remove any remaining teeth that can’t support your new denture. Patients who need extractions first can typically choose between two paths: an immediate denture, fitted the same day as extractions so you’re never without teeth, or a conventional denture, made after the gums heal, usually around eight weeks after the last extraction.
Impressions or digital scans of your mouth are sent to a dental lab, where your custom denture is built to match your bite and facial structure. Once it’s ready, you’ll return to Vannasane Dentistry for your fitting.
The First 30 Days: Adjusting to Your New Dentures
Most patients need about a month to feel fully comfortable in a new denture, and the first two weeks are typically the hardest.
- Sore spots. Pressure points are common as your gums adjust. We schedule a follow-up visit within the first week so we can pinpoint sore spots and make adjustments. Never trim or adjust the denture yourself.
- Extra saliva. Your mouth may produce more saliva than usual at first. This settles down within one to two weeks as your body adjusts to the new appliance.
- Speech changes. Certain sounds, especially “s” and “f,” may feel different at first. Reading aloud for a few minutes a day helps your tongue and lips relearn those sounds, and most patients notice clear improvement within two to three weeks.
- Eating. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, and chew evenly on both sides of your mouth. Plan on four to eight weeks before working back up to firmer foods.
Caring for Your Dentures Long Term
Clean your denture daily with a non-abrasive denture cleanser and a soft-bristled brush, and rinse it after meals to clear away food particles. Store it in water or a denture-soaking solution when it’s not in your mouth so it doesn’t dry out or warp.
Your gums and jawbone continue to change shape over the years, even after you’ve adjusted to your denture. Regular checkups let our dentist catch fit changes early and reline the denture as needed. Most dentures need to be replaced every five to ten years, depending on how well the fit is maintained.
Ready to Get Started?
If missing teeth are affecting your smile, your speech, or your ability to eat comfortably, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with the dental team at Vannasane Dentistry. We’ll help you decide between full dentures and partial dentures and walk you through every step from there.
