Dentures are essential dental devices for patients who have lost teeth, offering a new way to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. However, many patients have questions and concerns about the process. As their dentist, you can provide information and support to help them through getting and caring for the devices. Here is what you should tell patients about dentures.
The Fitting Process
Well-fitting dentures begin with precise measurements and impressions of the patient’s mouth, and it varies depending on the type of dentures necessary. For example, making partial dentures fit for patients is a slightly different process than that of complete dentures.
Let your patients know about these intricacies and why measuring for an exact fit is important. Tell them what to expect with the impression process, whether you use molds or digital scans. And make sure they know how well-fitted dentures should feel so they can let you know if something doesn’t seem right.
Proper Care
If patients don’t properly care for their dentures, they risk premature wear and early replacements. Warn them of these risks and provide them with information about proper care.
Patients should clean dentures daily with a toothbrush specifically for dentures and a nonabrasive cleaner to prevent plaque buildup. Additionally, storing them in water or a mild denture-soaking solution when not in use is crucial to maintain their shape and integrity.
How Eating Habits Must Change
Educate patients on beginning with softer foods and gradually introducing more challenging items as time goes on. Encourage them to chew evenly with both sides of the mouth to prevent slipping. Suggest cutting foods into smaller pieces and avoiding sticky or hard foods to make the transition smoother.
The Need for Regular Checkups
Stress the importance of ongoing checkups with you to monitor the fit and condition of their dentures. Over time, natural changes in the mouth can affect how dentures fit, potentially requiring adjustments or relining. Regular visits ensure that issues are addressed promptly, maintaining both the health of the patient’s gums and the functionality of the dentures.
What you should tell patients about dentures extends from the initial fitting to the importance of scheduling regular checkups. Transitioning to dentures is a difficult lifestyle change for many patients, so your support and resource sharing will prove invaluable.
