Dentures in Vancouver for Comfortable Tooth Replacement

Most dentists recommend taking your dentures out at night to give your gums a chance to rest and reduce the risk of irritation or infection. Wearing dentures around the clock can also encourage bacteria and fungi to build up against the tissue, which may lead to problems such as oral thrush. Store your dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution overnight to prevent them from drying out or warping. Your dentist can let you know if there’s a specific reason your case calls for a different routine.

It is normal for new dentures to seem different at first and for them to temporarily interfere with your speech or your ability to chew as your mouth gets used to them. A number of patients find that they have to slur their speech or make clicking noises at the beginning, a condition that generally gets better after a few weeks of regular use and by speaking slowly. Eating softer foods and chopping food into smaller pieces can also help make eating easier during this adjustment phase. Should any discomfort or speech problems persist after a few weeks, your dentist can examine the fit and make the necessary adjustments.

Dentures usually need to be relined or replaced after 5 to 7 years, as your jawbone and gums tend to change shape over time, which affects how well the dentures fit. The denture material can also become less comfortable or less effective for chewing due to wear and tear over the years. By having regular dental checkups, any problems with the fit can be detected early, usually allowing for a simple reline rather than a complete replacement. If you delay too long in addressing a poor fit, you may end up with sore areas or difficulty eating.

Implant-supported dentures are usually more secure than conventional removable dentures since they are anchored directly to implants that are put into your jawbone rather than depending just on suction or adhesive. The extra stability can make chewing and speaking seem more like having natural teeth and can reduce the tendency to slip when carrying out everyday activities. Moreover, implant-supported dentures also help to maintain jawbone density because the implants give continuous stimulation, something that traditional dentures do not. However, not everybody is suitable for having implants, so your dentist can assess your jawbone health and tell you whether this option is appropriate for your situation.

Yes, a type of denture called an immediate denture can be placed on the same day your teeth are removed, so you’re not without teeth while they heal. Because your gums and jawbone will continue to change shape as they heal, immediate dentures typically need more frequent adjustments and often a reline or replacement once healing is complete. This option works well for patients who want to avoid going without teeth, but it does require additional follow-up visits. Ask your dentist whether an immediate denture is a good fit for your specific situation.

Modern dentures are generally much more natural-looking than older styles, thanks to improved materials and more personalized fitting techniques. Today’s dentures can be shaded and shaped to match your face, gum color, and the size and alignment of your remaining natural teeth, rather than using a generic, one-size-fits-all look. Many patients find that people don’t notice a difference at all once dentures are properly fitted. Working closely with your dentist on details like tooth shape and shade makes the biggest difference in how natural your finished dentures look.

With new dentures, it’s best to avoid sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum, as well as hard or very chewy foods such as nuts, hard candy, or tough cuts of meat, especially in the first few weeks. These foods can dislodge your dentures or put extra strain on your gums while you’re still adjusting. Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing slowly on both sides of your mouth can also help you adapt more comfortably. As you get used to wearing dentures, most patients can gradually return to a wider variety of foods.

Yes, dentures that don’t fit quite right can rub against your gums and cause sore or irritated spots, especially during the first few weeks of wearing them. If you notice a sore spot, it’s best to leave your dentures out for a few hours before your appointment so your dentist can see exactly where the irritation is happening. Don’t try to adjust or file down the denture yourself, as this can permanently affect the fit. Your dentist can make a small adjustment to relieve the pressure and get you back to comfortable wear quickly.

Lacamas Dental in Vancouver, WA, provides both partial and full dentures for patients missing some or all of their natural teeth. Dr. Thomas Backus, DDS, a graduate of the University of Washington School of Dentistry who grew up in the Vancouver–Portland area, takes precise measurements and works closely with each patient throughout the fitting and adjustment process. The practice’s East Vancouver office serves patients throughout Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, and the greater Portland metro. We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your options.