Patients often have many questions when they get new removable dentures. We break down the most common questions and how to best educate patients here.
When patients are considering removable dentures, they often have many questions about lifestyle changes, potential complications, care, adjustments, and long-term maintenance. Dentists and dental professionals must understand the concerns of their patients so that they can ease their transition into this new stage of their dental health. Below, we’ll tackle some of the most common questions patients have about removable dentures, from lifestyle changes to denture maintenance.
Living with dentures requires some adjustments, especially during the initial transition period. When patients first receive their dentures, activities like eating and speaking may feel different as their mouths adapt to the new dental device. So, yes, they will need to undertake some lifestyle changes, but there are ways to help them in their transition.
To ease the transition, encourage patients to start with a diet of softer foods, such as scrambled eggs, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups. These options are easy to chew and help patients acclimate to their dentures without putting too much pressure on their gums.
Once they feel more comfortable, they can gradually reintroduce firmer foods to their meals. However, they should avoid sticky, tough, or hard foods like caramel, chewing gum, and very tough meats, as these can cause dentures to shift or create discomfort.
Speaking while wearing dentures may also feel unnatural at first. Reassure patients that this is temporary and normal for new denture wearers and that small steps can help them become more comfortable over time.
Encourage them to practice pronouncing difficult words or reading aloud to improve their confidence. With persistence, they will begin to notice improvements.
While dentures are a valuable solution for tooth replacement, they’re not perfect, and certain complications may arise. Inform patients of these common side effects of removable dentures, along with tips on how to remedy these issues.
It's common for patients to experience irritation or sore spots as their mouths adjust to the dentures. Encourage them to attend follow-up appointments for adjustments to help alleviate discomfort and improve the fit of the dentures.
If dentures do not fit snugly, they may shift or slip during activities like eating or speaking. If the patient feels slippage, adhesives can help. If that still doesn’t fix the issue, encourage a relining or adjustment to ensure they fit comfortably.
Chewing and speaking with dentures can feel challenging initially. Patients may require some time and practice to adapt. If difficulties persist, encourage them to schedule a follow-up appointment to examine the fit of the dentures to determine if the dentures require adjustment.
Wearing dentures can cause dry mouth or gum irritation in some patients. Advise patients to hydrate frequently and practice proper oral care to prevent these issues. Regular dental check-ups can also ensure the dentures remain comfortable and functional.
Bone loss in the jaw can occur over time due to missing teeth. This can cause dentures to become loose and uncomfortable.
Regular check-ups with a dentist can help detect any underlying issues and prevent further bone loss. Dentists may recommend dental implants in certain cases to support the dentures and prevent further deterioration of the jawbone.
Another important question patients have about removable dentures is how to best care for them. Whether the patient has a full or removable partial denture, regular cleaning and maintenance are fundamental to their long-term integrity and comfort. Dentists should educate patients on effective cleaning and storage techniques to improve their experience.
Patients should brush their dentures daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a cleaner specifically intended for dentures. Advise patients to also avoid regular toothpaste, as it can scratch the acrylic surface and cause unnecessary wear. It’s important to clean all surfaces of the dentures thoroughly to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria.
Denture wearers should soak their removables every night in a denture-cleaning solution. This solution will help prevent the dentures from drying out and losing shape. Remind patients to rinse their dentures thoroughly before reinserting them to avoid irritation from the cleaning solution.
Individuals who wear 3D-printed dentures should not soak them overnight. Soaking 3D-printed dentures for long periods can reduce the durability of the removable. Patients should consult their dentists and dental team about care for their specific dentures.
Good oral hygiene is just as important for patients with dentures as it is for patients without dentures. Advise patients to gently brush their gums and tongue daily to stimulate blood flow and remove bacteria. This helps protect the gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth.
New dentures require an adjustment period. Patients may experience sore spots or irritation as their gums and oral tissues adapt to the appliance. Routine adjustments by a dental professional can help address these issues, improving the fit and comfort of the dentures. A patient’s dentist should set expectations about how frequently they should come back for adjustments, which are also referred to as in-office relines.
Encourage patients to schedule regular dental check-ups. Over time, the shape of the gums and jawbone naturally changes, which can affect how dentures fit. These appointments allow dental professionals to evaluate the fit of the dentures and recommend adjustments or relining.
Relining involves the dentist adding material to the base of the dentures to improve their fit. This ensures that the dentures remain comfortable and functional while preventing problems like slippage or irritation from improper fit.
For patients requiring long-term solutions, replacing dentures after several years may be necessary. Advances in technology now allow dental technicians to scan and digitally recreate modern dentures. This guarantees the new appliance closely matches the original, reducing the hassle of starting from scratch.
While dentures are a durable and effective replacement for teeth, they are not permanent and require regular care and occasional replacement. Helping patients understand these long-term expectations can set them up for success.
The jaws and gums of a patient naturally change over time, which can cause the dentures to become less stable. Regular dental visits allow professionals to monitor these changes and recommend necessary relines or replacements to maintain a comfortable fit. Dentists should also educate patients on the warning signs of ill-fitting dentures, such as persistent discomfort or frequent slippage.
Dentures don’t last forever, and it’s typical for patients to require replacement dentures every 5 to 10 years, depending on wear and tear. Consistent dental check-ups help identify when it's time for an update, ensuring patients maintain their oral health and quality of life without compromising on the functionality of their dentures.
To maximize durability, patients should handle their dentures with care. Teach them to store dentures in a secure, water-filled container when not in use and caution them about the risks of dropping or damaging the appliance.
Removable dentures are a transformative solution for tooth replacement, but the initial adjustment can be a trial for new wearers. By addressing common concerns—such as lifestyle changes, potential complications, proper care, and long-term expectations—dental professionals can help patients ease into this transition and feel more confident about their new removables.
At DDS Lab, we’re experts in fabricating premium removable dentures with a thorough process that guarantees an optimal fit and impressive aesthetics. If your dental practice needs a new partner for dentures and restorations, contact our staff to learn how DDS Lab offers world-class products, fast turnaround times, and superior customer service.
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