Someone who has lost most (or all) of their teeth may require complete dentures. Someone who still has some natural teeth remaining may require a partial denture. A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. Dentures will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile.

Until you become accustomed to new dentures, they may feel awkward for a few weeks. The new dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place.
Sometimes, patients may experience minor irritation or soreness or you may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. This is completely normal. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should diminish. One or more follow-up appointments are generally needed after a denture is inserted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to call.

Dentures may improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. Your new dentures will fill out your cheeks and support your lips. You will be able to smile with normal tooth appearance. Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that little change in appearance will be noticeable.

Your new dentures, after a period of adjustment, will improve your ability to chew and eat the foods that you enjoy. You will have to start with soft foods, when you first get your new dentures. After a while, when you get used to them, you can begin eating harder foods, until you eat the food you prefer. It is helpful, with new dentures, to take two small pieces of food and chew them on each side of your mouth. This will aid in the denture stability and your ability to chew harder food.

Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will help. If your dentures "click" while you're talking, speak more slowly. Some of the speech sounds you make will have a different sound. As you use your new denture and practice speaking, you will sound "normal" to yourself and others.

You may find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile. Reposition the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing.

Although dentures are durable, they won't last forever, anymore than eyeglasses will. Your mouth is in a constant state of change and as such, you should expect to replace a denture every 5-7 years to maintain that "natural" look.

Yes! Your mouth is continually changing, and the denturist checks for diseases of the mouth, jaw and tongue area. Your denture also may need attention. Stains and calculus, looseness, bad odor and color changes are strong indicators for a check-up.