YOUR NEW DENTURE

Success with new dentures depends not only on the skill
and care of your dentist but also upon your attitude towards
the period of change you will experience.

When at first you begin to wear the new teeth they may feel
loose and no matter how thin they are, will almost certainly 
feel bulky. Your tongue may feel crowded and your speech sound
unnatural. These sensations are normal and it will take time
for you to adapt to the new denture. With patience and a
positive mental attitude you will find the initial problems
progressively disappear.
 

It takes time to learn to use any new prosthesis just as you
would not expect an amputee to go dancing the day his new limb
was fitted so you must be aware that even if you have worn a 
denture before, it will take practice until you learn to keep 
the denture in place with the muscles of your cheeks and tongue.
Chewing will require practice too at first, cut your food into
small pieces, select soft foods and chew slowly.
 

Whilst it will take several weeks for the gums and soft tissues
to adjust, if you experience continued irritation or chaffing in
any area, contact your dentist who will adjust the denture to
provide relief. 

It is in your interest to leave the denture out of your mouth
at night to allow the gums to rest and be washed by the natural
salivary flow.  Soaking the denture in a proprietary denture
cleaner is also recommended to avoid the development of denture 
sore mouth (thrush) which can be caused by bacterial build up on
the denture surface. Clean your denture after each meal using
a toothbrush and hand soap.
Build ups of calculus (tartar) can usually be loosened
by soaking the denture overnight in white vinegar.

DO NOT PLACE DENTURES IN HOT WATER
this may warp the plastic.
If you feel the denture needs adjustment or repair avoid the 
temptation to do it yourself.  amateur repairs may ruin the 
denture completely.

Although your denture will retain its shape, your mouth is 
constantly changing.  The gum and bone support shrink away.
This can make a denture become loose and less stable.
It is important to have your mouth checked regularly.
If you have a partial denture this is even more vital as the
remaining teeth play a key role and must be maintained in
optimum health.
 

The success of your new denture depends largely on you.
It has been designed for comfort, appearance and efficiency.
With a positive attitude towards the change you will become one
of millions who use a denture satisfactorily.