A bright smile has the power to light up a room, spark new connections, and bring delight to everyday moments. For many seniors, dentures play an important role in maintaining that sense of confidence and well-being. Whether you’re new to wearing dentures or simply looking for ways to better care for them, it’s natural to have questions.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of dentures, common issues older adults may experience, and simple tips to keep your dentures—and your smile—looking and feeling their best.
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Download the GuideTypes of Dentures
Dentures are a type of prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. Broadly speaking, there are two types of dentures: full and partial. Depending on your situation and your dental care team’s recommendation, there are additional considerations
Full Dentures
Full dentures are used to replace all of your teeth—upper, lower, or both sets. A prosthodontist will work with you to customize these dentures to comfortably fit your mouth. This is especially important since this type of denture typically depends on the roof of your mouth or your lower jawbone for support, and you may even need denture adhesive to help keep it in place.
Full dentures are usually designed to resemble natural teeth. For example, if you only need a lower set of dentures, the prosthodontist and lab technician will work to match the color and contours of the denture teeth to your upper teeth.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used to fill in the gaps where teeth are missing. The healthy surrounding teeth are not extracted and are usually used as anchors for the partial dentures. Just like complete dentures, these are typically custom made by a dental lab to both fit your mouth and ensure the denture teeth color and contours match the surrounding natural teeth.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures attach to dental implants instead of being anchored to healthy teeth or relying on your jaw for support. These dentures are removable, snapping onto the implants in your jaw—hence the nickname “snap-in dentures.”
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are permanently attached to the dental implants in your jaw. This type of denture does not dislodge or move easily, helping with stability during chewing and speaking.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are usually used when a person needs teeth extracted before they can start the process for denture creation. These are usually a temporary appliance, made to be worn after the extraction but before the permanent dentures are ready to be inserted.
Common Denture Issues Seniors Face (and Their Solutions)
Soreness
One of the most common denture issues people experience is soreness, especially when wearing them for the first time. This discomfort can last anywhere from several hours to a few days. The thing to remember is that it usually doesn’t take long for the discomfort to subside. You can try treating the soreness by rinsing with salt water or massaging your gums. While pain medication may also help, contact your dentist if the soreness gets worse or persists.
Speaking and Eating
Some people may find it challenging to pronounce certain words or chew certain foods as they adjust to their dentures. However, with time, these difficulties almost always improve. At first, try practicing speaking when you’re alone, especially words that you find tricky pronouncing with your dentures. Also, start eating soft foods or cut your food into smaller bites to help you get used to eating with your dentures. These small, simple steps can help you more quickly adjust to your prosthesis.
Slipping or Shifting
When you first get your dentures, it’s not uncommon for them to slip when you eat or talk. Your mouth and gums are getting used to having this new set of teeth. That being said, if they continue to shift or slip for a few weeks, you may need to consider using a denture adhesive. You might also need to visit your prosthodontist so they can make adjustments for a better fit.
Excess Saliva
When something new is in your mouth, your body naturally produces more saliva. That’s why you may find you have excess saliva as you get used to your dentures. This is nearly always temporary and should stop once your mouth has fully adjusted.
Breakage
Sometimes a tooth or even a clasp can break off of a denture. Losing a denture tooth will not only affect the aesthetics of your smile, but it can also impact the function of your bite. On the other hand, losing a clasp can cause your denture to move around more, causing irritation. In both cases, it’s important to see your dental care team as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
Infections
Denture wearers are at risk for denture stomatitis, which is caused by too much yeast. Denture stomatitis can cause redness and irritation on the gums beneath the dentures as well as small red bumps on the roof of the mouth. Another infection caused by too much yeast is cheilitis. This infection causes inflammation and cracking in the corners of your mouth. To avoid denture stomatitis and other infections, make sure to practice good oral hygiene and denture care. In fact, we’ll get into proper denture care in the next section!
How to Care for Dentures
Feeling confident with your smile makes every day brighter. Whether you’re savoring a favorite meal or sharing a laugh with a friend, well-cared-for dentures can help you live life with comfort and ease. Here are some simple, helpful tips to keep your dentures—and your smile—in great shape.
Handle with Care
Dentures are designed to be strong and durable, but they can still break if dropped or handled too roughly. When cleaning or handling your dentures, do so over a soft towel or a basin of water. This provides a little extra security—and peace of mind.
Brush Your Dentures Daily
Just like natural teeth, dentures need regular cleaning to stay fresh and comfortable. Each day, take out and gently brush your dentures with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. This helps remove food particles, prevents the build up of plaque, and prevents stains, so your dentures look their best. If you have implant-supported dentures, brush them with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Also, consider using a water flossing device to clean between your dentures and gums.
Clean After Eating
If you have implant-retained or other removable dentures, take a moment to remove and rinse them with water after meals. If you have implant-supported dentures, consider rinsing your mouth with mouthwash or using a water flossing device. These simple steps can make a big difference in keeping your dentures clean and your mouth feeling refreshed.
Soak Dentures Overnight
When the day winds down, your dentures deserve a rest, too. Soak them in water or a mild denture solution overnight to keep them from drying out or losing their shape. It’s a small effort that helps maintain their fit and comfort.
Before placing your dentures back in your mouth each morning, be sure to rinse them thoroughly, especially if you use a soaking solution. These solutions can contain chemicals that are harmful if ingested.
Keep Your Mouth Healthy, Too
Even if you wear full dentures, caring for your mouth is still important. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. If you wear removable dentures, try to do this each evening after taking them out and each morning before putting them back in. Also, if you use denture adhesive, remove any that is still on your gums. This helps prevent irritation and supports your overall oral health.
Stay Ahead of Any Changes
Over time, your gums and jaw can change, which may affect how your dentures fit. If you notice any discomfort, slipping, or sore spots, don’t wait—reach out to your dentist. Regular check-ups help ensure a healthy mouth and well-fitting dentures, so you can focus on taking on each day with confidence.
Find Your Reason to Smile at a Senior Lifestyle Community
Adjusting to life with dentures is a journey. With a little patience and the right care, dentures can feel comfortable, function smoothly, and help you continue to live your life with a smile.
At Senior Lifestyle, we are committed to helping our residents successfully navigate these kinds of life experiences, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and well-cared for. Whether it’s the reliability of our Transportation team taking you to the dentist or the compassion and expertise of our Healthcare team caring for you daily, you can feel confident that your health and happiness are foremost on our mind. Plus, the events put on by our Programming team keep you active and engaged, giving you plenty of reasons to show off your new smile.
Whether you’re looking for Independent Living, Assisted Living, or personalized Memory Care in our Embrace Neighborhoods, you’ll find a place where comfort, care, and connection come together.
Find out more about Senior Lifestyle or schedule a visit today!