Dentures – Keeping Your Smile Youthful
Dentures are worn by millions of people around the world today. With advancements in technology dentures now look much more natural and fit better than before. Dentures can be a positive experience for many, enabling them to improve their oral health, nutrition, appearance and confidence. And at our South Calgary office your radiant smile at all ages is our priority.
Our teeth gradually deteriorate as we become older. Brittleness, cracking and chipping more easily are all signs of aging teeth. Deep decay can also add to the problem. If teeth are severely affected by trauma, wear, decay or gum disease it may be suggested that the best treatment is tooth extraction. Even at a young age many are involved in accidents causing extensive tooth loss. Where there are more than just one or two teeth missing dentures would be the answer to ensure and maintain a normal bite, speech and a normal healthy appearance of the upper and lower jaws.
New dentures may feel awkward or even uncomfortable for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. They may even feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness during this period. Overtime these annoyances will diminish.
Two obvious sensations you will experience change with will be with your speech and when you eat.
Speaking
Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading aloud will help with this. If your dentures click when you speak, try speaking more slowly. As your dentures settle, so will the feeling of them being an obstruction.
Eating
Starting slowly and with small, soft cut pieces of food is best. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the denture from moving. You may have trouble sensing hot and cold as well as flavor. The messages your brain is receiving about your dentures can, for a short time, over power those from your taste buds. In time your brain will pay less attention to your dentures.
Caring for your dentures
Just as your teeth need regular brushing and care, so do your dentures. The general rule is brush, soak and brush again. Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or folded towel in case you drop them. Make sure you clean all surfaces of your dentures including the surfaces that come in direct contact with your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative.
With regular professional care, a positive attitude and persistence, you can become one of the millions of people who wear their dentures with a smile.
At Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic, Dr. Charchuk will help you choose the type of denture that is best for you. Please visit our services page for more information on dentures and contact us for your consultation.
