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Frequently Asked Questions

1  : What is a denture?
2  : Who needs a denture?
3  : How long will my denture last?
4  : What happens if I don’t replace my dentures?
5  : Should I wear my denture at night?
6   : What is a Denturist? 
7   : Why go to a Denturist?
8   : What's so different about going to a Denturist versus other dental professionals?
9   : How must I take care for my denture?
10: How do I get rid of stubborn stains?
11: Can I use store-bought liners?
12: What can you expect from new dentures?
13: How will dentures affect my eating?
14: Will dentures affect my speech?
15: Why are my dentures becoming loose?
16: Why do I need my mouth checked regularly if I don’t have any teeth?
17: I have only lost a few teeth. Is it really important having a partial denture?
18: Will people notice that I am wearing a partial denture?
19: Will my partial dentures show ugly metal hooks?
20: Once I have my Partial dentures, do I have to see a dentist?
21: My upper denture  is stable. How do I cope with the lower that is often loose?
22: How do I know it is time for a new denture?
23: What procedures will I be involved in during the denture making process?
24: What is the cost of this service?
25: What is an "immediate" denture?
26: I had immediate dentures fitted a week ago. Is it normal to have difficulties getting used to my new dentures?
27: What are implants?
28: Do I need implants to hold my dentures in?
29: How long will the implants for my (dentures over implants) last?
30: Why is there such a wide range in the cost of a denture?
31: Where do I get hold of my closest Denturist?

 

1: What is a denture?

A denture is a removable artificial appliance used to imitate the function and appearance as a replacement for missing teeth. Dentures is normally made of acrylic, sometimes in combination with various metal substructures and components. The teeth itself is also made of different colors of layered acrylic, shaped and stained to look like natural teeth. Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents the remaining natural teeth from drifting out of their position.

 

2: Who needs a denture?

Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture enlarges the range of foods that is included in your diet by improving your ability to chew.   A denture enhances pronunciation and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance your facial appearance and smile and is a recognized factor that can boost your self-esteem.    

3: How long will my denture last?

There is not a removable prosthesis made for the mouth that is permanent, it is only an artificial substitute, made from acrylic! The tissues of the mouth are undergoing continual change so that the dentures will have to be adjusted, rebased or remade from time to time. The average life expectancy of a denture is 5-8 years (or possibly 10 years) depending on the amount of wear on the teeth and the shrinkage of your gums. Although the denture is likely to last considerably longer than this, it eventually gets loose and worn. An older denture can harbor bacteria that may cause oral health problems. 

Even when your dentures feel comfortable they should be examined regularly to ensure no permanent damage is being done to the mouth. If ever a sore spot or growth is discovered you should immediately seek advice. These areas may be quite harmless and only require minor adjustment to the denture but only a professional can evaluate and rectify the situation.

If a partial denture fits poorly, it may damage the supporting gums and even your natural teeth as well. A poor fit may cause bleeding, soreness or swelling and consequently you should seek further attention if this occurs. Your Denturist is sensitive to your well-being and to the general condition of your dentures. Your Denturist also has the experience and expertise to advise you on your best treatment plan and how to proceed.

 

4: What happens if I don’t replace my dentures?

Studies have proven that it is not good for your overall health to wear your dentures beyond five to eight years because bacteria and other viruses live on and in the acrylic of your denture.  The reality of a "worn-out" denture can have devastating effects that are often invisible and imperceptible to the denture wearer. 

Here is a short list of harmful possible effects suffered by wearers of dentures more than five years old:
• Headaches, ear aches, neck pain and joint problems 
• Dietary problems including colon problems
• More laborious chewing and more difficult digestion; which can lead to colon problems
• Softening of the gum
• Painful, irritated gum

And this is only a partial list! Remember that wearing dentures that are 10 or 15 years old inevitably causes changes in your mouth that are often irreversible. The longer you delay replacing your dentures, the more your appearance and your comfort will be affected... often gradually and without you even noticing. Consult with your local denture professional to evaluate your situation.

 

5: Should I wear my denture at night?

You may be advised to wear your denture almost constantly during the first two weeks, even while you sleep. If you find that your jaws or the muscles of your face ache by over-closing your jaw without your dentures, leave them in. Some denture wearers are apprehensive to be seen by a spouse without their dentures and choose not to remove them when going to sleep. There is little evidence that this practice is inherently harmful. 

It is however, considered best to remove your dentures at night, under normal circumstances. Research has shown that removing the denture for at least eight hours during either the day or night, allows the gum tissue to rest and may be beneficial to allow normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. This promotes better long-term health of the gums. If you clench or grind your teeth in your sleep, it will reduce the breakdown of your gums if you take them out. However, every denture wearer may determine for themselves what works best for them personally. If in doubt ask.

6: What is a Denturist?

A Denturist is a highly qualified, skilled member of the Oral Health Team. Your Denturist will construct, fit and supply Full, Partial  or other type of removable dentures and will provide a complete and professional denture service, personally doing the clinical procedures and also making the appliance in his/her dental laboratory. By direct consultation, your Denturist will construct and fit dentures or sporting mouthguards. Your Denturist will maintain, repair and reline dentures as required by you the patient, or your referring practitioner. 

Your Denturist will personally consult, advise and assist patients in all relevant aspects of their treatment, and where necessary provide referrals to other members of the dental profession.

 

7: Why go to a Denturist?

Replacing your natural teeth is more than trusting someone with your smile…Your appearance, your looks, your whole image is at stake. Make sure you entrust this delicate task to a specially trained professional!

Your Denturist is an expert in design, construction, insertion and adjustment of removable dentures as well as over-dentures on implants. Their expertise, meticulousness and professionalism make them the best possible choice to help you derive the maximum benefit from dental prosthetics technology. "Denturist's are your denture specialists ".

8: What's so different about going to a Denturist versus other dental professionals?

Your Denturist listens to your needs. They personally handle every step in the construction of your denture: from the first impression to the last adjustment. There is no middleman in the fabrication of your new denture. The Denturist has an on-site laboratory at the denture clinic to produce your personalized dentures.

Your Denturist is the ideal person to instruct you in the daily maintenance of your denture. He/she can also tell you how often your denture should be adjusted in order to ensure the comfort, effectiveness and aesthetic appearance that you expect. After all Denturists are specialized to focus full-time to exclusively making only Dentures and Related Removable Appliances. It is their calling!

 

9: How must I take care for my denture?

Special attention must be paid to cleanliness in order to remove bacteria, food debris and various stains that arise from some foods and smoking. Food debris and tartar accumulate on your dentures just as they do on normal teeth so therefore they should be cleaned after each meal. If you are not careful about this, the gums may become inflamed and bad breath may develop. A daily routine of brushing and soaking is a highly effective way to look after dentures, ideally use soap and water. This combination of methods, using non-abrasive products, will ensure dentures stay clean, fresh and in top condition.

Avoid using tooth paste or denture cream on your dentures (tooth pastes and denture creams contain abrasives). Avoid putting your dentures in hot water; damage to the denture may occur. If a partial denture is in place, remove it before brushing your natural teeth. Once removed, soak the dentures in a proper cleansing solution mixed with water for a period of at least three hours in each twenty-four hour day. It is important that your dentures at all times be kept in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets

Dentures should be removed before cleaning. Firstly, every surface and part of the denture should be brushed with a denture toothbrush to remove loose food particles. Hold the denture over a basin containing a little water in the bottom. It is a good idea to put a face cloth in the basin too, so that if the denture does slip from your hand, it will cushion the fall and prevent breaking on impact. You may use soap and water, but if you prefer to use a paste, a specially designed denture-paste should be used as conventional toothpastes can be too abrasive.

Your Denturist is the best person to advise you on cleaning your dentures.


10: How do I get rid of stubborn stains?

There are a number of Denture Sterilizing Agents readily available over the counter in South Africa, a.o. Sterident. Polident has established itself in many countries, and has recently entered the South African market. Regular soaking with such a product, after brushing, will remove light staining and help to keep your denture hygienically clean. Always ensure you rinse the denture in water while brushing lightly to remove any traces of the soaking product. If your denture has metal components, ensure you are using a denture cleanser that is suitable for this purpose. Use hand soap, liquid soap or a special denture cream as it is not abrasive. Rinse your dentures well afterwards.

Don’t immerse the denture in very hot water, as this may warp it, whilst boiling water could cause them to crack.. Do not use vinegar, pool acid or any other cleaning compound that could have a caustic or tainting effect, as it will reduce the flexibility of your appliance, make it brittle and impossible to reverse the harm caused. Cleaning the denture with bleach may cause discoloration and cause your denture to look unnatural. Also, abrasive cleaners and hard brushes cause unnecessary wear.

The buildup of plaque eventually forms an incrustation called dental tartar. Severe staining and dental tartar can only be removed in a dental laboratory. A Denturist can re-polish your old faithful denture to remove all the scratches and slowdown the future build up of such deposits. If your denture has metal clasps that have distorted, take the appliance to your Denturist for readjustment, as these could cause damage to your natural teeth and/or soft tissues of the mouth. 

 

11: Can I use store-bought liners?

You should never attempt to reline your dentures; you could seriously damage both your dentures and your mouth. If you have problems, see your Denturist. He/she is trained to recognize and treat these problems quickly and effectively.

12: What can you expect from new dentures?

Dentures are an artificial substitute for healthy natural teeth, but if you have been unfortunate to lose some or all of your teeth, then a partial or full denture will enable you to maintain your facial appearance and satisfactorily chew food.

You may encounter difficulties getting used to your new dentures at first and have difficulty controlling them while eating, swallowing or speaking. With a lower denture there is often a tendency at first for the tongue and lower jaw muscles to displace it. In time you will however overcome these difficulties and adjust to your new dentures. The secret lies in perseverance.

 

13: How will dentures affect my eating?

Adjustment takes time and patience but don't be discouraged. You have only to learn to bite and chew in a slightly different way. When biting food with natural teeth, the tendency is to pull forward. Instead of pulling out as you bite, push the food forward a little and bite completely through it. Start with small portions of food and eat slowly. Biting into an apple and eating corn on the cob are probably things you will want to postpone, but you will be able to enjoy these foods later when you have mastered the art. Your Denturist will be happy to help you deal with any problems you encounter.

 

14: Will dentures affect my speech?

At first you may notice minor differences in your speech. Lisping is not unusual. Don't be concerned. Soon your tongue, lips and cheeks will become accustomed to the slight alteration in the shape and contours of your mouth. Reading aloud to yourself is an excellent exercise which will more quickly restore your normal speech. If the problem perseveres, consult your Denturist to consider reducing the palatal aspect of your denture to enhance tongue space for improved pronunciation.

 

15: Why are my dentures becoming loose?

If your dentures are over 5 years old and if they have not been relined every 2 years, you are likely to have some problems with the fit of your dentures. A visit to your denturist for an oral health examination will determine the cause of your ill-fitting dentures. As an interim emergency measure, there are denture adhesive powders or gel available over the counter, to assist with short term denture retention as a fixative agent. 

Your denture needs regular servicing if it is to function at its best. Throughout life the jawbones change in shape. Once the natural teeth have been removed there is no more stimulation-transfer of the mastication powers to the surrounding bone. The bone ridges tend to resorb (shrink), which results in an alteration of the bite-relationship between the upper and lower jaws. This results in an over-closure of the mouth which causes a loss of chewing efficiency, loosening of the denture, change in appearance, and general discomfort of the mouth. 

These changes can be rectified, but if it is left for too long, rehabilitation becomes complicated and very difficult. The rate of change varies from person to person, and depends on age, health, the time lapsed since the last natural teeth were extracted, and many other factors. 

When dentures are first inserted they fit the gum snugly. There is no substitute for a well fitted denture, and to make sure that you have no problems always have your dentures checked regularly by your Denturist

16: Why do I need my mouth checked regularly if I don’t have any teeth?

Oral health means more than just an attractive smile, even for denture wearers. More than 90% of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations. For that reason, your Oral Clinician may be the first health care provider to recognize a health problem. All Oral Health Care providers have an important responsibility as gatekeepers of oral health and oral manifestations of other health conditions that needs urgent attention.

Poor oral hygiene may be a contributing factor to the incidence of oral cancer. In many Western countries oral cancer takes more lives annually than cervical or skin cancer. Rampant infections in the mouth can also affect major organs including the heart and heart valves. In addition, poor oral health affects the digestive process. This may lead to intestinal failure, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other problems. Many diseases can be diagnosed in their early stages through an oral examination. These diseases may be characterized by swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and/or excessive gum problems. Some of these diseases include diabetes, leukemia, cancer, heart disease and kidney disease. Your Denturist is trained to identify Oral Pathology and will refer you to the appropriate specialist health care provider. 

An old or ill-fitting denture can also exacerbate the natural process of resorbtion. When teeth are removed, our body assumes there is no need for the bone that supported the teeth. Over time the bone slowly, yet progressively diminishes. This process, called resorbtion, occurs at a more rapid rate if all teeth in the jaw are missing. Left untreated, the loss of jawbone can progress so far that even the best quality denture will no longer function satisfactorily.

 

17: I have only lost a few teeth. Is it really important having a partial denture?

Yes. A well-fitting partial denture will prevent your natural teeth from moving to close some of the spaces. Without a partial denture, these teeth could drift and end up being crooked, rotated or tilted. An imbalanced bite could result and damage more of your natural teeth.

18: Will people notice that I am wearing a partial denture?

A denture specialist who is also a partial denture aesthetician can blend the partial denture teeth so natural that they will make your smile look totally life-like. They will look so real that no one would know they are partial dentures. Only an expert in this field can assure that your smile will look truly natural. A denturist who deals with the needs of the consumer directly and also manufactures the denture is ideally suited for this purpose.

 

19: Will my partial dentures show ugly metal hooks?

Today, well fitting partial dentures can be made without showing any metal. What many people call hooks, are professionally referred to as clasps. Clasps are used to give a partial denture stability and retention. However, today, there are specially engineered, designed and patented partial dentures that do not show any metal at all and are more stable than conventional partial dentures. Thermoplastic dentures are flexible partial dentures made of a thin, flexible, yet durable, material that snaps in around the adjacent natural teeth. Due to the flexibility of the material, the denture wearer can expect added comfort. These are so stable and secure that they actually protect and preserve your remaining teeth.

20: Once I have my Partial dentures, do I have to see a dentist?

After receiving your Partial dentures, there may be a period of adjustment. In some cases, it is especially important to visit your denture care provider so that he or she may make minor modifications. It is also important to visit your denture care provider once a year to ensure it continues to fit properly. It is natural for the bone and tissue beneath the denture to change over time, so periodic adjustments will allow a continued good fit and protect the health of the underlying bone and tissue. If you have remaining natural teeth, it is important that you also have a periodontal check-up and cleaning at least once every six months.

 

21: My upper denture  is stable. How do I cope with the lower that is often loose?

The upper denture has a whole palate to provide good suction to keep the denture in place. The lower denture has to contend with more tongue and muscle movements that displaces the lower denture and the gums shrink more than the upper ridge. To contend with this, it is best to keep your tongue low in your mouth and just touching your lower front denture teeth. You will find it easier to maintain the lower denture in position this way, even when you open your mouth wide. When eating, drinking or talking, you will obviously need to move your tongue, but try to keep this as the tongue position for the remainder of the time.

22: How do I know it is time for a new denture?

When dentures are first inserted they fit the gum snugly. There is no substitute for a well fitted denture, and to make sure that you have no problems always have your dentures checked regularly by your Denturist. Most dentures will function satisfactorily for 5-8 years or even 10 years if checked and adjusted at least annually. During this time it may be necessary to “reline ” a denture, which involves processing of a new fitting surface to improve the fit, and “eases ” may be necessary to ensure optimal comfort.

Artificial teeth are generally not as strong as natural teeth and will wear with age. The better the quality of the tooth, the longer the life expectancy. Worn artificial teeth cannot be fixed or rebuilt. If your denture is worn to the point where is it interfering with function you will need to replace it.

From an oral health perspective it is also necessary to replace your denture often. Bacteria builds up even in the most carefully cleaned denture. It is also important to have an oral examination annually, even if you have no natural teeth of your own. The incidence of oral cancer rivals cervical and skin cancer and denture wearers must be vigilant.

Over time shrinkage occurs in the gum that supports your dentures or dentures are worn down, the lower jaw can move out of its correct position with the upper jaw. This can sometimes lead to a number of problems. The facial muscles can virtually collapse giving the appearance of premature aging. If you experience any of the following it may be time for a new denture:

23: What procedures will I be involved in during the denture making process?

The basic clinical stages of denture manufacture that requires the presence of the consumer are as follows (these may vary depending on the type of denture you are going to have):

Small adjustments (eases) may be required after the denture is fitted. All appointments are included in the cost of your denture.

 

24: What is the cost of this service?

"Personalized" dentures are no longer the preserve of the wealthy. You may be surprised at how reasonable denturists' fees are. At your first meeting the denturist will explain what can be done for you and exactly how much it will cost.

25: What is an "immediate" denture?

An immediate denture is fitted by your Dentist or Oral Surgeon at the time of the extraction of your natural teeth. Your denture is therefore made before your teeth are removed. Immediate dentures are a popular choice for people requiring a first denture, especially if they do not want to be without teeth at all, for any length of time. Your Denturist will take the impressions and discuss with you the appearance you will require from your dentures, and the limitations of what can be achieved, before commencing with the manufacture of your immediate denture. As a try-in stage is not possible, aesthetics is often a problem, if not discussed at length with your Denturist.

An immediate denture is a transitional appliance that will become loose very soon, due to resorbtion of the bone during the healing process after the extractions. After a few weeks a reline will have to be done, to fill up these gaps and to assist in retaining the denture in place during eating and talking procedures. An additional reline is normally required again after a few months, before the bone resorbtion stabilizes to a more gradual rate.

 

26: I had immediate dentures fitted a week ago. Is it normal to have difficulties getting used to my new dentures

Learning to chew satisfactorily with new dentures takes more or less 6-8 weeks. The successful use of your dentures depends on your commitment and the effort you put into mastering them. The tongue, cheek, and lip muscles must be trained to keep the dentures in place during chewing and speaking.  To learn to eat with your new teeth will take PRACTICE, PATIENCE and DETERMINATION.

Start with soft foods, cutting everything into small pieces, rather than trying to bite with your front teeth, as this will dislodge the denture. Thickness in your speech and perhaps a lisp are also common symptoms, which will usually correct itself in a short period of time. Sore spots may also develop and these can be easily relieved by your Denturist.

Hundreds of thousands of people wear dentures with ease and in time you too will feel comfortable, secure and successful in wearing your dentures.

27: What are implants?

Dental implants are medically pure titanium devices that are placed into the jawbone by an Oral Surgeon or Dentist. Not only for people who want to replace one or two missing teeth with a crown, they can also act as an anchor to provide a solid base for a denture. The implant will house the male component that sticks out of the gum surface, and the female component that clips over it, is processed into the fitting surface of the denture to firmly secure it in place.

 

28: Do I need implants to hold my dentures in?

Most people do not need implants to secure their dentures in the mouth. There is a degree of overkill (oversupply of non-essential services for profit) on implants. Most dentists today, feel that that their patients need implants to secure lower dentures, however, well trained and experienced denture specialists use sophisticated techniques that allow most lower dentures to function normally without use of implants. However, these specialists occasionally find it necessary to incorporate implants, and will fit dentures for patients who have had implants prior to visiting them.

 

29: How long will the implants for my (dentures over implants) last?

Reports show many implants lasting 20 years or a life time, with proper care and regular yearly check-ups at your dental professional. Some of the factors which could reduce the life expectancy of your implants are:

Some parts of the implants may need replacing with time because of wear or deterioration. Due to improvements in technology many of the early implant components have been replaced of phased out by alternative components. As a general guide, the dentures themselves should be replaced every 5 years and a relined every 2 years.

                    30: Why is there such a wide range in the cost of a denture?

Under normal circumstances, in a competitive free market economy without monopolies, Cost = Quality.  A high-quality, well fitting, and natural looking denture takes time to make and costs more than the average rush job. However, before generalization, it is feasible to make sure that one is comparing apples with apples, and not with oranges. There are obvious variants that will impact on the cost of your denture, including:

 

31: Where do I get hold of my closest Denturist?

Under normal circumstances, The Society would run a map from this website indicating where your closest Denturist is situated, or at least provide an address list. However, the profession is not recognized yet and even those with an overseas qualification may not practice until the appropriate Health Authority has opened a register.  We may not encourage you to approach a dental technician for direct provision of removable dental appliances, as that would be illegal! As our mission statement indicates, we are committed to the efficient legitimate practice of Denturism,
the appropriate training of Denturists in South Africa and compassionate care for prosthedontic patients! 

You can assist to speed up the legislative process to make this happen and get the category established, by following the links on our Homepage to the Consumer Testimonials and by petitioning your denture needs to the Government. We have been approached to assist in setting up a Denture Wearers Action Group, but have not committed ourselves, as there is a school of thought that it should be driven entirely as a Consumer initiative.

 

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