It is necessary to have artificial replacement for the natural teeth because the body cannot function properly if some of the important organs involved in speech, swallowing, and mastication are lost. Most people desire to be accepted in society and to associate with others in ease and comfort. This is not always possible when missing teeth cause poor speech and appearance.
If the missing teeth are not replaced, it may cause drifting /migration or tilting of the adjacent teeth into the empty space leading to spacing between the teeth and changes in your bite. Also, there are more chances of supraeruption of the opposing tooth into the space, leading to more complications.

Dentures are artificial substitutes and have limitations. It is perfectly normal to feel awkward with new dentures. The appearance has undergone a slight change; speech may seem altered, and a feeling of mouth fullness may be present. Time, patience, and cooperation in following instructions will bring about a relaxation of the muscles of the lips, tongue, and cheeks. Eventually a slight change in appearance becomes a pleasant change; speech will be normal and eating will be less difficult

If your dentures are more than 5 years old, you may need new ones, or
you may need new dentures if you have any of these problems...

You may find a little difficulty getting used to your dentures at first and have difficulty chewing some types of food for a time. With a lower denture there is a tendency at first for the tongue and lower jaw muscles to displace it. In time you will overcome these difficulties and adjust to your new dentures.

Generally, dentures need to be adjusted (relined) every 2 years or replaced every 5 years. Dentures are gradually worn away by repeated cleaning. The soft supporting mouth tissues are also changing shape continually.

Even though your dentures may feel perfectly comfortable, their fit needs to be checked regularly (every 6 month) to ensure that no lasting damage is done.

The denture fabrication usually requires several visits which varies depending on the complexity of the case:

1. Impressions are made, the bite is established, teeth are selected, the wax (trial) denture is fitted, changes can made until it looks just right for you.
2. The denture is finished, polished, and then fitted for you: now the wearing process begins.
3. Sore spots will occur (some people are more prone to sore spots than others). Call for an adjustment appointment.
4. DON'T compare your "old" denture to the "new" one. If the "old" one was so good we would not be making a new one.

1. They do not fit as well as complete dentures. They may need temporary linings with tissue conditioners and may require the use of denture adhesives.
2. They will cause discomfort. The pain of the extractions, in addition to the sore spots caused by immediate denture, will make the first week or two after insertion difficult.
3. It will be difficult to eat and speak initially, almost like learning to eat and speak all over again.
4. The esthetics may be unpredictable. Without an anterior try-in, the appearance of the immediate denture may be different from what the patient and dentist expected.
5. Many other denture factors are unpredictable such as the gagging tendency, increased salivation, different chewing sounds and facial contour.
6. It may be difficult or possible to insert the immediate denture on the first day. Every effort will be made to do so. If it is not possible, it will be inserted or remade as quickly as possible.
7. Immediate dentures must be worn for the first 24 hours without removal by the patient. If they are removed they may not be able to be reinserted for three to four days.
8. Because supporting tissue changes are unpredictable, immediate dentures may loosen up during the first one to two years. The patient is responsible for all fees involved in refitting or relining the dentures.

Some suggestions for proper denture care are:

1. ALWAYS rinse your dentures inside and outside after each meal.
2. ALWAYS clean inside and out with a soft denture brush and a mild soap before putting them in your mouth in the morning and after taking them out at night.
3. ALWAYS put your dentures in water with or without denture cleanser at night. Follow cleanser instructions.
4. ALWAYS clean your dentures over a soft surface or basin of water. This will help avoid breakage if dropped.
5. ALWAYS massage your gums morning and night with a soft brush or cotton gauze.
6. ALWAYS see your dentist for any denture adjustment.
7. NEVER use scouring powders or strong detergents. These may damage the dentures.
8. NEVER put dentures in hot water.
9. NEVER let dentures dry out.
10. NEVER use adhesives unless advised to do so by your dentist.

Feel -
You will notice right away that your new dentures seem very large in your mouth. You may even experience a gag reaction to their fullness, particularly in the back of your mouth. This is a normal first reaction. Be patient. In time, with a little practice, you will adjust naturally to this initial fullness, and barely notice them in your mouth.

Excessive Saliva -
When you first received your new dentures, you probably noticed an increase in the flow of saliva in your mouth. Again, this is a normal response to the unfamiliar object in your mouth, namely the denture. On average, most of us swallow about six hundred times a day. For the first few days of wearing your new dentures, you should try to swallow more frequently. In a few days (sometimes in just a few hours), your mouth will become accustomed to the dentures and saliva flow will return to normal.

Speaking -
Many new denture wearers have difficulty with their speech at first. A common problem is pronouncing words containing "s" sounds. In most cases, practicing speech aloud with your new dentures in place will help restore your normal speaking quality quickly. One of the best practice methods is to read aloud from a book or magazine in front of a mirror to get used to the new speaking position of your tongue and new teeth. This will add confidence and comfort. Another good habit is to bite and swallow prior to speaking to "set" the dentures in position to improve clarity.

Eating -
A basic fact of denture life is that you will not be able to bite down as hard as you could with natural teeth. Therefore, you can no longer chew in quite the same way. People with natural teeth chew on one side of the mouth and then on the other side. With dentures, you must take smaller bites and learn to chew on both sides of the mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from rocking and dislodging. Here again it is just a matter of patience and practice before you will be eating your favourite foods without difficulty.

Maintaining Good Nutrition -
One of the most critical areas of Denture After-Care is the maintenance of oral tissue and the ridge of bone that supports the dentures. The state of the health is directly influenced by diet and nutrition. So make sure you eat balanced meals and get the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals each day. Your dental professional will be happy to give you nutritional advice if you have any questions about your diet.

Denture Care -
The supporting bone and tissue in your mouth need regular rest from denture wearing. Therefore it is important that you take your dentures out everyday for a brief time or overnight. The best place to store them is in a special water filled plastic container called Denture Bath. This procedure will prevent your dentures from drying out which can, adversely affect their fit.

Please remember that dentures are not permanent. Changes continue to occur in the bone and soft tissues of the mouth.

Your initial adjustment period:

1. Leave dentures in for the first 24 hour period - you will be scheduled    for a 24 hours post - insertion appointment
2. Feelings of fullness and increased salivation will decrease with time
3. Sucking on a piece of hard candy may help gagging sensation
4. Expect sore spots to develop during this initial adjustment period

Eating with your new dentures:

1. Cut up food into small bite-sized pieces
2. Eating with food on both sides of your mouth may be helpful
3. Biting foods with your front teeth will tend to dislodge dentures and the underlying tissues
4. Avoid sticky foods
5. Learning to eat with dentures takes time. Eating with dentures will never be as easy or efficient as eating with natural teeth. Be patient

Talking with your new dentures:\

1. Adjusting takes time - read out loud to speed up the process.
2. Muscles will need to be re-educated so they will retain the denture
3. The feeling of crowding of tongue will decrease with time.

Cleaning your mouth and your dentures:

1. Cleanse and massage your mouth daily with a soft toothbrush
2. Brush dentures with a soft toothbrush and ordinary facial soap
3. Never use toothpaste to brush your dentures - it is too abrasive
4. Soak dentures overnight in a commercial denture soaking solution (never use bleach on dentures with metal parts)

Denture Do's and Don’ts:

1. Do leave your dentures out at night while you sleep
2. Only use denture adhesives on advice of your dentist
3. Never attempt to adjust, repair, or refit your denture yourself
4. Do come in for your regular checkups

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