All Your Denture Questions Answered

When should you start considering dentures in Boynton? Dentures are an affordable tooth restoration option for people who have lost a tooth or several teeth. In America, around 26% of adults aged 65 years and above have only eight permanent teeth left or even fewer. Meanwhile, 17% of adults 65 or older have completely lost all their teeth.

Beyond aesthetics, tooth loss can negatively impact oral health in more ways than one. Luckily, dentists offer dentures to restore your smile and oral function.  

You’ve seen people wear dentures, but how much do you know about them? How long do they last? What are they made of? We’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions that will help you decide if this is the best option for you.  

Commonly Asked Questions About Dentures

What Are Dentures? 

Dentures are artificial teeth and gums designed to replace missing teeth. They come in two types – partial and full. Partial dentures are ideal for people who still have several natural teeth left.  

Meanwhile, full dentures are intended for those who lost all their teeth. Regardless of the type of dentures, you’ll need, each set is carefully customized to fit the unique contours of your mouth. The color and shape are made to match your teeth. 

Do I Need Dentures? 

The best way to know if you need dentures is to visit a prosthodontist for a consultation. A prosthodontist is a dentist specializing in restoring and replacing lost teeth. Based on the assessment, your prosthodontist can suggest the ideal treatment options for your situation.  

How Much Do They Cost?  

The cost of dentures varies depending on various factors, such as the time needed to complete the treatment, your case’s complexity, and the dental office’s location. Talking to your prosthodontist is the best way to know how much you’ll pay.  

How Can I Care for My Dentures? 

To keep your full or partial dentures in excellent condition, you must always keep them clean and stain-free. Here’s how to do it: 

• Rinse your dentures after eating. For a removable denture, we recommend taking it out after eating and rinsing it under running water to loosen and remove food debris. However, ensure that you line the bottom of the sink with a towel so that if in case you accidentally drop it, it will not break.  
• Handle your dentures with care. Dentures are durable, but they can break under pressure. Be careful when cleaning them so that you don’t damage or bend your dentures.  
• Clean your mouth when you remove your dentures. Brush and floss your remaining natural teeth to remove plaque, food debris, and bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on your teeth and a piece of gauze to clean your palate, inner cheeks, and tongue.  
• Clean your dentures daily. One of the questions people ask is how often they should clean their dentures. Then the answer is daily. Remove your dentures and brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t use hard bristles, as they may scratch your dentures. After brushing, soak them in a denture cleanser. When ready to use them, rinse your dentures with water before placing them back inside your mouth. 
• Soak overnight. To preserve the shape of your dentures, you must always keep them moist. Since you won’t be wearing them when you sleep, we suggest you place your dentures in a denture-soaking solution overnight. Follow the instructions on the packaging of the soaking solution. If you are unsure, ask your prosthodontist about it.  
• Schedule regular dental visits. Your prosthodontist will decide how often you need to have your dentures checked and cleaned. The reason for these visits is to ensure that your dentures have a proper fit to avoid discomfort and slippage.  
• See your dentist if your dentures feel loose. If your dentures feel loose, you should see your dentist to have them adjusted. Continuing to wear loose dentures can lead to sores, irritation, and infection.  

Can I Sleep with My Dentures On? 

Can you wear your dentures at night? Ideally, you should take them out when you sleep to relieve your bone and gums from the pressure of wearing dentures the entire day. It is strongly discouraged to wear your dentures 24 hours a day.  

Will My Chewing Be Restored When I Wear Dentures? 

It takes some time to get used to your new dentures, but after a while, you should be able to eat normally. However, it can be uncomfortable to chew hard and sticky foods, which is why dentists recommend staying away from them. Too much pressure on your dentures could potentially cause them to break.  

Do You Have More Questions About Dentures in Boynton?

If you have questions that aren’t addressed here, we’ll be happy to discuss them during your consultation. At Ferber Dental Group, we believe high-quality dental care shouldn’t cost you a fortune. Our team has years of experience and training to provide care that exceeds your expectations. We strive to keep you comfortable during your visit. Contact us to book an appointment.