For the first few weeks, your new denture may feel awkward or bulky. You may feel like you have a mouth full. However, your mouth will eventually become accustomed to wearing it. The muscle in your mouth will adapt to your denture and your tongue will also adjust. Inserting and removing the denture will require some practice. Follow all instructions given by your denturist. Your denture should fit into place with relative ease.

Your denturist will give you specific instructions concerning how long the denture should be worn and when it should be removed. Initially, you may be asked to wear your denture all the time. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable for you, it will allow us to identify those denture areas that may need adjustment.

If the denture places too much pressure on a particular area, that spot will become sore. Your denturist will adjust the denture to fit more comfortably. After making those adjustments, your denturist might recommend that you remove your denture before going to bed and replace it in the morning.

It can be difficult to speak clearly when you are missing teeth. Consequently, wearing a denture may help. If you find it difficult to pronounce certain words with your new denture, practice reading out loud. Repeat the words that give you trouble. With time, you will become accustomed to speaking properly with your denture.

Handling a denture requires care. You might consider standing over a folded towel or a sink of water-in case you accidentally drop the denture. Brush the denture each day to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing your denture helps prevent the appliance from becoming permanently stained. It is best to use a specific brush that is designed for cleaning dentures. A denture brush has bristles that are arranged to fit the shape of the denture. A regular, soft-bristled toothbrush is also acceptable. Avoid using a brush with hard bristles- it can damage the denture.

Clean your dentures by thoroughly rinsing off loose food particles. Moisten the brush and apply the denture cleaner. Brush all denture surfaces gently to avoid damaging the plastic. A denture could lose its proper shape if it is not kept moist. At night, the denture should be placed in soaking solution or water. Your denturist can recommend the best way for preserving your denture.

Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, resulting in a loose-fitting denture.

Dentures that do not fit properly should be adjusted by your denturist. Loose dentures can cause various problems, including sores or infections. See your denturist promptly if your denture becomes loose.

You can do serious harm to your denture and to your health by trying to adjust or repair your denture. A denture that is not made to fit precisely by a denturist can cause irritation and sores. Using a do-it-yourself kit can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold over the counter often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture.

If your denture no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth pops out, see your denturist immediately. In many cases, denturists can make necessary adjustments or repairs-often on the same day.

Your denturist will advise you on the frequency of dental visits. Regular dental check-ups and having your teeth and dentures professionally cleaned are vital for maintaining a healthy smile.

The answer to this important question will depend on three crucial factors:

1. What is your budget?

2. What levels of aesthetics and functionality do you want?

3. What is your timeline?

Choose dentures if:

• You need full teeth replacement.

• You have a modest budget.

• You have a 3 – 10 year timeline.

• You want good aesthetic quality and good functionality.

If you are an older adult with a modest budget, desire a high level of aesthetic quality, and are looking at a timeline of 3 to 10 years, we would recommend a removable bridge solution or conventional dentures depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced.

Choose a dental bridge if:

• You can have partial teeth replacement.

• You have a modest budget.

• You have a 3 – 5 year timeline.

• You want good aesthetic quality and good functionality.

A dental bridge is the industry standard for replacing one, two, or even three missing teeth in a row on a budget. While dental implants have functional and aesthetic benefits, a dental bridge provides excellent aesthetics and adequate functionality for a lower price. The only drawback to a dental bridge is reduced longevity.

Choose dental implants if:

• You can have partial or full teeth replacement.

• You have a higher available budget.

• You have a 10+ year timeline (can last 20 years or more).

• You want the best aesthetic quality and the best functionality.

If you require a high level of aesthetic quality and functionality and have the budget, we recommend individual dental implants. You can’t go wrong with dental implants if you have adequate bone depth and density to support dental implants, to begin with. Otherwise, additional procedures, such as bone grafting, may be necessary. Dental implants provide the highest level of aesthetics, functionality, and overall mouthfeel. However, they are easily the most expensive solution.

Choose implant-supported bridges (All-On-4 dental implants) if:

• Full teeth replacement.

• Moderate to high budget.

• 10 – 20 year timeline (can last up to 20 years).

• Great aesthetic quality.

• Great functionality.

Finally, if you want the benefits of individual dental implants but don’t necessarily want to break the bank, it might be worth considering implant-retained and implant-supported dental bridges. These implant-denture hybrid solutions, such as All-On-4 dental implants provide most of the benefits of an implant-based solution but at a lower cost. Implant-supported solutions slot in nicely in the middle ground between traditional dentures, a dental bridge, and individual dental implants.