Are you a denture wearer looking to improve your denture experience? Like any other health aid, dentures need to be fitted correctly and maintained properly. Here are five ways to improve your denture wearing experience:
Religns
Just as you wouldn't use the same eyeglass prescription for years on end, you can't wear dentures indefinitely without having adjustments made. Experts recommend religning as needed and at least every two to three years. As described by Dentures.net, religning involves adding or subtracting acrylic on the underside of the denture to adjust the fit. Religning is necessary because gums and bones change over time, affecting the fit of the dentures.
There is also a procedure called a soft relign. This involves cushioning denture plate to alleviate irritation.
According to Martin S. Spiller, D.M.D., religning is also important to appearance. He explains that removal of teeth decreases the distance between the nose and chin, creating an aged appearance. In the absence of timely religning, he says, denture teeth will eventually disappear under the lips and the lips will flatten.
Security
While religning is essential to a proper fit, even a properly fitting denture will feel more secure if you use a denture adhesive, WebMD says. A denture adhesive is a cream or powder applied to the denture to create a seal and hold the denture in place.
Denture Living says clinical studies show adhesives improve denture performance and may prove helpful in reducing irritation caused by denture rub.
Cleaning
Like natural teeth, dentures should be brushed and rinsed every day to remove food and plaque, WebMD says. Mayo Clinic says to remove and rinse them after eating as well. It's not only important to the denture wearer's health, it's necessary for the dentures themselves. So is a nightly cleaning with a denture cleaner or mild soap or dishwashing liquid. Regular cleaning averts permanent stains and helps your dentures to last longer and fit better.
Speaking
Dentures may require some speech adjustments as they may make it hard for you to speak certain words clearly. These problems can be overcome if you speak slowly and take time to practice words that come out wrong, WebMD notes. A denture adhesive that keeps the dentures from slipping when you laugh or smile means you won't need to readjust your dentures to make yourself understood.
Eating
After getting dentures, biting and chewing feel different than before. The dentures can affect temperature and taste sensations, and chewing some foods can pose a challenge. New denture wearers are advised to start slow with soft foods and small bites. Evening out the pressure on your dentures- by distributing the food evenly on both sides of the back of your mouth- can also make eating easier. When it comes to legendary tough foods like corn on the cob, denture adhesive may give you the boost you need to chew with confidence.
Content by Carol Bengle Gilbert.