FAQs about dentures

"Dr. Trudeau, what do dentures feel like?"

For a few weeks, new dentures will feel awkward until you become accustomed to them. They might feel loose until the cheek and tongue muscles learn to hold them in position. It is not unusual to feel minor irritation or soreness. The patient needs to see his or her dentist for regular fit adjustments to relieve any sore areas.

"Do dentures need to be replaced?"

At Dale Trudeau DDS we find that dentures will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear over a period of time and normal shrinkage of your gums and bones.

"Are you able to eat with dentures, Dr. Trudeau?"

Eating with dentures will take a little practice. You should start with soft foods that are cut into small pieces. As you become used to chewing, you can return to your normal diet.

"Dr. Trudeau, are there foods you should avoid if you wear dentures?"

There are only a few eating restrictions for denture wearers. Avoid biting down directly on crunchy or hard foods, like whole apples, hard pretzels, crusty bread, or large sandwiches. They can break because of the angle where the denture comes into contact with the hard surface.
Biting is limited only by the stability of the dentures themselves. Insufficient bone structure (shrunken bone ridges covered by gum tissue), old or worn dentures, and a dry mouth decrease stability. Call us at Dale Trudeau DDS to evaluate your personal situation.

"If you wear dentures, are dental adhesives necessary?"

Today's dentures have been significantly improved through advances in both dental and materials technologies. As a result, dentures that fit properly usually do not require adhesives to secure the dentures. When you are just getting used to dentures, adhesives may be advised, but otherwise should not be necessary.
At Dale Trudeau DDS we feel a loose denture is a sign that it doesn't fit your mouth correctly. When first getting used to dentures, you may notice them slipping when you laugh, smile, or cough, which is caused by air getting under the base and moving it. The more you wear dentures, the better you will be able to control their movements in these situations.
If your mouth has insufficient bone structure, dentures will be more difficult to retain. Dental implants may be advisable. These are placed in the bone and retain the denture with small, precision attachments.

For more information about how we at Dale Trudeau DDS can help you with dentures, call us at (858) 755-9775, we will be happy to talk with you.