Dentures (or ‘false teeth’) should be comfortable and painless. Your dentist can advise you about your options. It is important to keep your dentures clean and your mouth healthy.
These days, dental health services aim to help you keep your teeth for life. Even with good care, however, it may be necessary for you to get dentures. Losing your teeth can have some emotional impacts. You may need to prepare yourself for getting dentures.
Preparing for dentures
Research has found that tooth loss can cause emotions such as grief, denial, anger and depression. You may experience a loss of self-confidence and feel self-conscious when eating, talking or smiling. You may need to prepare yourself for the effects of losing your teeth.
Selecting the right dentures
There are two ways to have dentures made:
- On the day your teeth are removed – an ‘immediate denture’ can be made while you still have some of your teeth and inserted on the day your teeth are taken out. Changes to the bone may cause the denture to become loose and it may need to be relined within a few months to improve the fit.
- Two to three months later – a denture is made some time after your teeth are removed. This allows time for the bone to change and heal and means that the denture should be a better fit from the start.
Your dentist can advise you about which option would suit you best. This will depend on the number of teeth being removed, your personal preference (where possible) and the facilities available.
Caring for your dentures
It is important to look after your dentures. They should be removed when you go to bed. Clean them carefully and store them in a container of cold water in a safe place. Gently brush your gum or palate with a soft toothbrush wherever it is normally covered by the dentures.
Leaving your dentures out overnight allows your mouth to rest, gives tissues a chance to recover and regenerate and helps to prevent fungal infection.
How to clean your dentures
When cleaning dentures, remember to:
- Handle dentures with care and avoid pressure on the weakest points.
- Clean food debris and plaque from all denture surfaces.
- Use a denture brush, toothpaste or denture cleaner and water, if possible.
- Clean dentures over a hand basin half filled with water to prevent them breaking if dropped.
Keeping your mouth healthy
A healthy mouth has clean, stable teeth. You should have an even bite and well-fitting dentures and be free of pain. Your mouth should be comfortable when you chew and your breath should be fresh.
See your dentist if you have:
- Painful or loose teeth
- Ulcers that last more than two weeks
- Gum abscess
- Bleeding gums
- Swelling
- Soreness or cracks in the corner of your mouth.
Where to get help
- Your local dentist or other oral health professional
- Your closest community dental clinic Tel. 1300 360 054 – to find a clinic near you
- ADAVB Dental Consumer Helpline Tel. (03) 8825 4600 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
- Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne Clinic Tel. (03) 9341 1000 or 1800 833 039 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Things to remember
- You may find that losing your teeth has some emotional impacts.
- Dentures may be made immediately or 2–3 months after your teeth are removed. Where possible, select the option that you prefer.
- Take dentures out at night and clean them regularly and correctly.
- Dentures should be well fitted and comfortable. See your oral health professional if you have any pain or problems with your mouth or dentures.
You might also be interested in:
Teeth - cosmetic dentistry explained.
Teeth - orthodontic treatments.
Teeth - orthodontics.
Teeth care.
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