Getting Removable Dentures

The majority of tooth loss is the result of late-stage oral disease, severe cavities, or trauma to the mouth. DentalWorks – Chicago Loop offers various services to help restore your smile, and classic dentures are one of the most viable solutions available to our Chicago, IL patients. Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are formed to your mouth. They are created to replace lost or extracted natural teeth. Dentures can be either full or partial, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. Regardless of the type of dentures you choose, they are always custom made to fit your mouth and to match your existing natural teeth.

WHAT ARE DENTURES MADE OF?

Contemporary dentures are composed of a strong resin, so they are sturdier than ever. Even so, it is important to note that dentures are much more fragile than natural teeth and can chip and crack. Because of this, a new set of dentures is needed about every five years. The support of dentures that holds the teeth in place is also made of a similar resin material or a flexible polymer material that fits snugly in place on your natural gumline.

BENEFITS OF WEARING DENTURES

Wearing dentures can significantly improve the appearance of the smile as well as preserve the integral condition of the bone tissue. They also make eating food that requires a lot of chewing easier. Dentures are a great solution to replace teeth that may be causing you pain or other oral health issues such as diseased roots. At DentalWorks – Chicago Loop, we often recommend dentures to restore our patients’ smiles.

THE PROCESS OF GETTING DENTURES

For patients receiving dentures, our Chicago, IL dentists adhere to some standard steps to rejuvenate your smile. They include:

  1. Preparing your mouth, whether extracting teeth, giving a routine cleaning, or filing down the natural teeth

  2. After your mouth is ready, taking digital x-rays that are sent to a dental lab to create your custom dentures

  3. Providing a temporary set of dentures to wear while the permanent set is being made

  4. Placing the custom dentures in your mouth and adjusting them as needed for the most secure fit

Follow-up appointments are also scheduled to determine whether or not your dentures are working their best for you.

EATING WITH DENTURES

In most cases, patients do require some time to get accustomed to their new dentures. They will allow you to eat as you did before, though it could take some time to learn how. It is recommended to use a small amount of denture adhesive to stabilize your dentures and help keep them in place while learning how to eat comfortably.

HOW TO CLEAN DENTURES

kind of dentures you use should be scrubbed daily, just as with real teeth. Debris can build up on your dentures and damage your existing teeth and gums. To clean your dentures properly, remove them from your mouth and run clean water over them to rinse off any existing food particles. Next, brush the dentures with a mild soap or denture cleaner. Never use regular toothpaste or an electric toothbrush to wash your dentures. They are too abrasive and can damage them. After thoroughly cleaning your dentures, rinse them well. Clean your gums and any other natural teeth with a soft toothbrush.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR DENTURES LAST

You should take out your dentures when going to bed to prevent cracking or slippage while you’re resting. Removing them also provides your gums and bones a chance to relax from the pressure of wearing the dentures throughout the day. Always submerge your dentures in warm water (never hot) to keep them from drying out. Use a denture soaking solution if your dentures don’t have metal components, as the solution can easily tarnish the metal.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTURES
DentalWorks – Chicago Loop is pleased to offer professional recommendations for those who are unsure if dentures are their ideal choice. After a thorough dental examination, our professional team can help you to decide which tooth replacement option will work best for your smile goals. If you’re having trouble speaking or chewing and want to restore the function and appearance of your smile, dentures are a great option. They are created to match your mouth and facial structure in order to give you the best possible fit. Call our dental office today in Chicago, IL to schedule your denture consultation appointment.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF DENTURES

To help your dentures last, follow these tips:

  1. Clean your dentures daily, just like you would your natural teeth. Bacteria, tartar, and plaque can buildup on dentures and damage your teeth and gums.

  2. To effectively clean your dentures, remove them from your mouth and run clean water over them to rinse off any food particles.

  3. Use a denture brush with a mild soap or denture cleaner to clean them. Never use regular toothpaste as it is too abrasive. Rinse them well after cleaning.

  4. Clean your gums and natural teeth with a soft toothbrush twice a day.

  5. Always remove your dentures before going to sleep. This helps to avoid them dislodging while you are asleep or causing any damage through clenching or grinding of the jaw.

  6. Submerge your dentures in warm water to keep them from drying out overnight.

  7. For dentures without metal components, use a denture-soaking solution to clean them effectively.