Dentures

What are dentures?

Dentures replace natural teeth when all teeth in one or both jaws have been lost. You should not expect dentures to function as well as your own teeth, but fortunately most people get used to using them over time. A positive attitude of the individual and the knowledge and skill of the dentist are very important.

When there is total tooth loss, there are solutions that, for most people, are better than loose dentures. Titanium screws, called dental implants, can be implanted into the jawbone and snaps can be attached that hold the denture in place. It is also possible to make full bridges that are screwed permanently onto dental implants and cannot be removed. Often the process begins with loose dentures before further treatment is carried out. The circumstances of individuals may be such that implant treatment is not possible, and then the person must accept conventional dentures. The following information and advice are suitable for everyone who has loose dentures and those with implants holding dentures in place.

Use of dentures

It is assumed that dentures are used all day and night. However, the mouth may need rest from one or both dentures, especially when there is high biting pressure. Then it is recommended not to sleep with the dentures or to relieve bite pressure by removing the lower denture overnight. It is best to store the dentures in water if they are not in the mouth.

Initial difficulties

When dentures are used for the first time, many people feel they are loose, wobble, and even tilt when chewing. Food gets stuck on and under the dentures. Saliva flow increases and speech becomes less clear. People feel the dentures are bulky, there is little room for the tongue, and soreness is common.

As the facial muscles and tongue learn to support the dentures better, they fit better. It is also necessary to practice the pronunciation of difficult sounds, for example by reading aloud. If problems persist, it is recommended to discuss them with the dentist. Often dentures need to be adjusted to fit better.

Appearance

When you get new dentures or dentures for the first time, your appearance may seem somewhat strange. Tension often forms around the mouth and facial features become stiff and stretched. It takes a few days for the facial muscles to get used to the new teeth and the face then returns to a normal shape. Sometimes small changes to the dentures can help with this. People often become very critical of their appearance in these situations and notice small details they had not considered before. It is important to talk to the dentist if you have any questions about your appearance.

Although it is often possible to achieve considerable improvement in appearance with new dentures compared to old and worn ones, one should avoid having too high expectations. It is possible to achieve a certain fullness in the face and raise the bite, which often has a positive effect on appearance. Deep wrinkles, for example on the upper lip, are risky to try to fix with dentures; there are other more effective methods available through dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

Chewing

At first it can be difficult to eat food with dentures. Choose soft foods and cut them into small pieces. Chew slowly on both sides of the mouth at the same time and definitely not with the front teeth. Avoid sticky, hard, or gummy foods. Few people can bite food apart with their front teeth in the beginning, and some never can. It is better to bite food apart with the back teeth but avoid pulling on the food at the same time. Implants under dentures increase stability and bite force.

Soreness

It takes a few weeks to get used to new dentures and it is common for sores to develop on the gum ridges under the teeth. You should always see the dentist if soreness appears. Often the dentures need to be ground down to relieve soreness and sometimes several visits are needed. Such service is included for one year after the dentures are made at Tannlæknaþjónustan.

Denture care

Dentures need to be cleaned with special cleaning agents twice a day. We recommend using sprays designed to clean dentures and will prevent fungus and other dirt from settling on it. You can buy denture cleaning products from us and at pharmacies. Spray the dentures inside and out and brush with a stiff brush, then rinse with water. Do not use very hot water. The mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue should also be brushed with a soft brush before putting the dentures back in the mouth. You can use hand soap to clean dentures but it is not as effective. Do not use regular toothpaste because it scratches the plastic. There are cleaning agents to dissolve tartar and tougher dirt, and you can also use a diluted vinegar solution for this purpose (1 tablespoon in a glass of water).

Dental implants

It is a fact that people have different success adapting to dentures. It can be especially difficult to get used to dentures in the lower jaw because retention there is often poorer than in the upper jaw. It is common to put screws, so-called dental implants, in the lower jaw ridge where retention for dentures is usually poorer than in the upper jaw. Snaps are attached to the implants and to the dentures and thereby provide good retention. Health insurance covers a big part of the cost of implants under dentures and the dentures themselves for elderly and disabled persons.

Follow-up

The length of time dentures last varies by individual. Over time the jaw ridges shrink and the dentures fit worse. The teeth themselves wear down and the bite lowers. It is important to visit the dentist regularly for assessment. Poorly fitting dentures increase shrinkage of the jaw ridges and make it harder to make new dentures that fit well.

If you have implants under dentures it is very important to have them checked at least once a year. Tartar can build up on the snaps and the plastic linings inside the denture need to be replaced regularly.

Relining

When dentures are made directly on extraction wounds, called immediat dentures, the jaw often needs to be relined 6-8 months later and sometimes earlier. An impression is taken inside the denture and sent to the dental technician who adds a lining to make the denture fit better. Sometimes it is also better to reline older dentures instead of making new ones.

What do dentures cost?

You can see examples of costs for dentures in our price list. Dentures are subsidized by health insurance for disabled persons and elderly people.

Are you having trouble with your dentures?

We at Tannlæknaþjónustan want to help you find a solution that suits your situation. We examine each case individually, make treatment suggestions, and prepare a cost estimate. You are warmly welcome to visit us for an examination and together we will find the best way forward for you.