It is very important to replace missing teeth with full or partial dentures. Replacement teeth help fill out the space and restore your smile by giving support to the cheeks and lips. This will give a youthful feeling, a more appealing appearance by holding up facial muscles and also aids in speaking, chewing, swallowing and smiling.

Somewhat. At first you might find it hard to chew and speak since you have something in your mouth that you are not use to. This is normal. As time passes by, your tongue will get used to the appliance and the spaces that have been filled.

At first you may choose a soft or liquid diet, also cutting food in smaller bites might help. Make sure to avoid sticky or hard foods. Your dentures might need adjustments, especially if you get sore spots. Always check-up with your dentist.

How long will it take to get used to replacement teeth?

Every patient is different. Some patients adapt immediately. For others, it may take a little longer.

Patients who choose to undergo full extractions and have immediate dentures placed should leave the dentures in until the postoperative appointment, which is usually 24 hours after delivering the immediate dentures. During healing, the dentures should be left in most of the time because the immediate denture acts as a 'bandage', giving support to the oral tissues as they heal.

It is required that the immediate denture be relined within four to six months. This is to accommodate the space created by shrinkage of the supporting bone tissue during healing.

You should remove the dentures every evening. Remember however, if the denture is removed, it must not be allowed to dry out as this causes shrinking or distortion of the material causing ill fitting. Always soak the removable denture in water until returning them to your mouth.

If you wear a partial denture, make certain that when you floss and brush your natural teeth, that you take special care to clean around the clasps, as trapped food particles, may cause these abutment teeth to be more susceptible to decay.

Should denture adhesive be used?

Generally, you shouldn't need them. A well-fitted denture will adhere to the oral tissues with the natural aid of saliva and suction. In fact, some denture adhesives actually distort the denture material, which may make the fit worse! Check with your dentist before routinely beginning the practice of using any denture adhesive material.

• Rinse your dentures after eating to clean them from food particles using a soft denture brush and mild liquid soap or denture toothpaste.
• Brush your denture over a folded towel or a sink full of water. That way, it won't be damaged if you drop it.
• Soak your denture in denture cleaner to help prevent staining and odor.