False Teeth Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question regarding false teeth, you have come to the right place. Here we will answer many frequently asked questions that you may have about dentures & false teeth.

False Teeth FAQs:

How are dentures made?

A dentist makes dentures with the assistance of a dental lab, oral exams, and x-rays. A total of five appointments are generally required which follow this typical pattern:

• First Appointment – jawbone molds are taken.
• Second Appointment – the custom mold tray is used to create the impression that will be used to create your dentures.
• Third Appointment – your bite and tooth position are determined. The color, size, and shape of the false teeth are selected.
• Fourth Appointment – the first fitting takes place where a series of tests are conducted (speaking, bite, etc.). Any changes required are noted and the dentures are returned to the dental lab.
• Fifth Appointment – Final fitting and any further adjustments are made at this point.

Can dentures broken in half be repaired?

Yes, if your dentures are constructed from acrylic material. Should your dentures be made of nylon, they can also be repaired but will cost more than acrylic repairs due to the time required for such a repair. Caste metal partials are difficult to repair and depending on the damage, may not be repairable at all.

How do you clean false teeth?

There is a specific method for cleaning false teeth. Rinse them first under lukewarm running water and gently brush away loose particles by hand. Then brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and specially formulated denture cleaner. Rinse again and either soak overnight or pat the dentures dry before replacing them in your mouth.

What dentures are the best to get?

The ‘best’ dentures for you will be best determined by your dentist. However, there are many different types of dentures to choose from. They include:

• Full Dentures – also known as complete dentures, are full mouthpieces made from acrylic, nylon, or metal that sit on your gum line and contain a complete set of fake teeth.
• Partial Dentures – these are smaller plates of fake teeth that are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. They are made from acrylic, nylon, or metal and use special clips to attach to existing teeth.
• Immediate Dentures – these are temporary dentures that can be either full or partial. They are placed on unhealed gum sockets immediately following tooth extraction.
• Cosmetic Dentures – these can also be full or partial dentures and are designed to create the visual of a perfect set of teeth that are also durable and functional.
• Implant Dentures – also available as full or partial dentures, titanium posts are implanted into the jawbone and prosthetic teeth and cemented permanently onto the posts.
• Flexible Dentures – a flexible coating of resin makes these the most comfortable of the denture choices. Also available in full or partials.
• Overdentures – (also known as snap-in dentures) this is a full or partial denture that is designed to fit over or supported by some of your existing teeth or dental implants and is removable.

What are false teeth called?

False teeth have several names., but when someone is talking about false teeth, they are usually referring to dentures. The upper set of dentures is usually called uppers while the lower set is called lowers to distinguish between them.

How long do dentures last?

Dentures are not intended to last forever. Depending on the amount of wear and care they receive, the average lifespan of a good quality set of dentures is between 3 and 8 years.

However, if you drop and/or damage your dentures, you may need to have them repaired and/or replaced sooner that this.

In addition to denture damage, your jawbone can change shape as you get older. This may require you to have your dentures relined or replaced.

How are dentures fitted?

An impression of your mouth is taken by the dentist. The mold that is made from your bite impression will be used to create your false teeth. Once your dentures have been made, your dentist will show you how to place them in your mouth and will observe how they fit. Adjustments will be made at this time. You will be instructed to wear them once again and adjustments will continue until the fit is correct.

Who first invented false teeth?

The first known dentures date back to 2500 BC and were believed to be made with wolf teeth. By 700 BC human and animal teeth were bound together with gold bands by the Etruscans of Italy to create false teeth. False teeth were also made from ivory and porcelain.

Which is better – dentures or dental implants?

Dental implants are a popular choice if you are only missing one or two teeth. Dentures are a logical choice if you are missing several teeth. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best solution based on your oral health needs.

What are false teeth made of?

False teeth, also known as dentures, are typically made from one of several materials, such as:

1. Acrylic resin: A type of plastic that is commonly used to make dentures because it is lightweight, durable, and easy to mold.
2. Porcelain: A type of ceramic material that is strong and has a natural appearance.
3. Denture frameworks and partial dentures are frequently made of the strong, long-lasting metal alloy cobalt-chromium.
4. Valplast: A versatile substance with a nylon base that is frequently used to create partial dentures.

The patient’s needs, financial situation, and preferences are just a few of the variables that affect the material choice for a given set of dentures. Dentists typically talk with patients about their options and offer advice based on the circumstances of each case.

What do false teeth look like?

False teeth are designed to have the appearance of natural teeth. The plate that makes up the bulk of your dentures is colored to resemble your gums and the teeth are colored to match existing teeth or to look like well-maintained bright, white teeth.

Will dentures change the shape of my face?

Yes, dentures can change the shape of your face. When a person loses several teeth, the facial muscles and tissues can sag, causing the face to look sunken in or aged. Dentures can help restore the natural shape of the face by replacing missing teeth and supporting the facial muscles and tissues. However, ill-fitting dentures can also cause discomfort and lead to further changes in the facial structure over time. Click here for more on what dentures look like.

Are dentures expensive?

The cost of dentures can be high, but it varies depending on the type, material, dentist’s fees, and location, among other things. However, there are also low-cost options that are for those with limited budgets. A basic, removable partial denture can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, but a full set of custom-made dentures can cost several thousand dollars. The complexity of the case and any additional services, like extractions or pre-operative procedures, that might be necessary can also affect the cost of dentures. Dentures may be partially or entirely covered by dental insurance, and financing options may also be available to make them more affordable.

How often do dentures need to be relined?

You should have your dentures examined annually by your dentist. If your dentures are not fitting very well, you should let your dentist know and they may recommend that it is best to reline your dentures.

The timing of this will vary from patient to patient and be determined by several factors that your dentist will consider.

Are dentures painful?

Dentures may be a little painful in the beginning as your mouth adjusts to having a foreign object in it. If the gums become raw and painful, it may be because of a poor-fitting upper or lower and a visit to your dentist should remedy this.

Read more here about how to get used to wearing dentures.

What kind of dentures are there?

Full dentures and partial dentures are the two primary varieties of dentures.

When all of the natural teeth are missing, full dentures are used. Both conventional and immediate full dentures are designed to fit over the gums. After the remaining teeth have been extracted and the gums have healed, which usually takes several months, conventional dentures are created. Conversely, immediate dentures can be inserted into the mouth as soon as the teeth are extracted because they are made in advance.

When a few natural teeth are missing, partial dentures are used. The gaps left by missing teeth are filled in with partial dentures, which are fastened to the natural teeth with metal clasps or other connectors.

Other types of dentures include cosmetic, implant, flexible, and overdentures.

How much do false teeth cost?

The cost of dentures is impacted by a number of factors. A major factor is related to the number of teeth being replaced. However, there are many other considerations when ascertaining how much false teeth may cost.

Click here for a review of the different costs for false teeth.

Can false teeth be whitened?

Yes, you can whiten your false teeth. However, there are whitening products that can damage your dentures, so it is important to use only those products or methods that are specifically for dentures.

How often should dentures be cleaned?

Dentures should be cleaned after each meal but if that is not possible, twice per day is sufficient. Typically, and similarly to natural teeth, after your first meal and before going to bed each night is best.

Can dentures cause headaches?

If dentures do not fit properly, they may cause soreness in the muscles of the face and jaw. This can lead to muscle tension headaches.

If you do have denture pain, then it would be best to book an appointment with your dentist for specialist advice.

How should dentures look?

Dentures, when they are fitted properly, should look natural and appear as if they are your natural teeth.

Who fixes dentures?

Your dentist would examine your dentures and would either repair them in-house or ship them to a dental lab for repair.

Are dentures hard to get used to?

It will take some time to get used to wearing dentures. Typically, if the fit is right, you should be comfortable with them almost immediately. However, some individuals may need a few days or more to get used to eating, speaking, and smiling with false teeth.

Can dentures be donated?

Although you may not be interested in buying used dentures, you can donate an old set of dentures to your dentist. There are recycling sites that can reuse the materials your false teeth are made from and turn them into new products – though not likely another set of uppers or lowers.

Can false teeth look natural?

The main goal of false teeth manufacturing is to make the false teeth look as natural as possible. The plate in which the fake teeth are joined is colored to resemble your gums and the teeth are colored to match your existing teeth.

Why are dentures kept in water?

It is important to soak dentures in a cleaning solution overnight. This is to keep them from drying out and cracking or warping out of shape. Keeping dentures in a soaking solution also mimics the conditions of your mouth.

Can you kiss with false teeth?

Of course, you can kiss with false teeth. Dentures permit you to also speak, eat and smile normally as if you had your natural teeth. Kissing may feel different for those with dentures than for those with natural teeth, though. This may depend on elements like the dentures’ stability and fit, the wearer’s level of comfort, and their level of confidence with them in place.

Can you make your own dentures?

There are a number of do-it-yourself ways to make dentures at home. However, DIY dentures are generally only used on a temporary basis. Having a set professionally made by a dental lab will ensure durability and function.

Where do you buy a denture repair kit?

There are two main places where you can purchase a denture repair kit. You can find them in your local drugstore in the dental care section. You can also find denture repair kits on various websites, including Amazon. Pricing varies depending on where you choose to purchase and, of course, online shopping may include additional costs for shipping.

See this post for more information on denture repair kits and methods.

Where do you buy denture glue?

Denture glue, or denture adhesive, is available at your local drugstore in the dental care section. Some larger grocery store chains also carry denture glue in the same section as you will find toothpaste and toothbrushes. You can also purchase denture adhesives online.

See this article for more information on denture glue and adhesives.

Where do you apply denture adhesive?

Start with your upper denture and follow the directions printed on the packaging of the denture adhesive. Use three or four dabs of the paste (about the size of a pencil eraser) in the part of the denture that fits over your gums. Repeat the procedure with your lower dentures.

How much denture adhesive should I use?

Following the directions on the packaging, do not use more than three or four dabs, evenly spaced, on either your upper or lower dentures. Each dab should be no larger than a pencil eraser.

Where do you buy false teeth?

You can buy single tooth false teeth on the internet or from Amazon. These are temporary DIY false teeth options that can be of use if you need help quickly. See this post for more information.

However, if you prefer a permanent false teeth solution such as dental implants or dentures, your dental professional would be the best person to see to get your false teeth fitted. Your dentist may require you to attend a series of appointments before your dental implants or dentures are made and follow up with additional visits after you receive them.

Who makes false teeth?

The person who makes false teeth is called a prosthodontist. They attend dental school as your dentist would have but require an additional three years of schooling to learn how to create oral prostheses. Prosthodontists also make bridges, veneers, implants, and other replacement teeth products.

What happens if you leave your dentures in all the time?

Wearing dentures all the time can lead to four different dental issues. You can suffer bone loss, promote the growth of bacteria that causes bad breath and gum disease, shorten the life of your dentures, and increase your chances of developing illnesses. When you remove your dentures and soak them in a cleaning solution overnight you remove harmful bacteria, keep them from cracking or warping and prevent the development of infections in your mouth and throat.

Can you kiss with a flipper tooth?

Yes, you can kiss with a flipper tooth. However, because it is a removable dental prosthesis, it could move or slip during intimate physical activities like kissing, affecting the comfort and confidence of the wearer. As long as the false teeth are held securely in place, kissing should be easy!

How to store dentures for a long period of time?

Dentures should not be allowed to dry out so storing them for a long period of time will require some extra work. In addition to putting them in a container with a soaking solution, you will have to check them frequently to ensure that the level of the solution does not drop exposing the false teeth to the air. If this happens, they risk drying out and that could end up cracking or warping the dentures. Also, change the water every so often to eliminate bacteria growth in the container.

Can dogs get dentures?

Dogs can get dental implants, but this is normally a very rare procedure, and you may have difficulty finding someone that does this kind of work. The procedure is very expensive and dogs will have difficulty getting used to any kind of false teeth in their mouth. Read this article for a more in-depth look at doggie dentures.

What are cosmetic dentures?

Regular dentures improve your smile, and ability to eat, speak, drink, and talk. Cosmetic dentures are dentures designed specifically to improve the aesthetic appearance of a person. They focus on improving the smile by fixing unevenly spaced, cracked, chipped, or discolored, as well as replacing missing teeth. Cosmetic dentistry encompasses this, but also other dentistry options including braces, bridges, whitening, veneers, etc to improve your overall looks and confidence.

How to remove denture adhesive?

Gently massage your gums with a fingertip which will loosen the adhesive. Or you can rinse with water, massage your gums with a paper towel or a washcloth. Other methods of removal include using a toothbrush or denture adhesive remover wipes.

How to tell if someone has dentures?

If the dentures fit properly, it can be hard to tell if someone is wearing dentures. Some ways may tip you off to someone wearing dentures, but it won’t be obvious. If the person in question has suddenly changed the appearance of their teeth, with the top row lining up perfectly, they may be wearing dentures. Another sign is a difference in their speech with may include a slight lisp. Food choices and the way the food is eaten will also hint at false teeth. Hard-to-chew or sticky foods are usually avoided.

How to store spare dentures?

Denture storage is important as they mustn’t dry out. This means that your regular set of dentures that you take out at night, or your spare set of dentures, will have to sit in a container with water or a soaking solution when not in use. Over time, that water will have to be changed to prevent bacteria growth within the container. Also, be sure to not let the water level drop to where any part of the dentures is exposed to the air for any length of time.

Can someone tell if you have dentures when kissing?

They shouldn’t be able to tell you are wearing dentures when kissing provided the dentures fit properly and are held securely in place. Because kissing is as easy to do with dentures as it is with natural teeth, you should not be able to tell if someone you are kissing has dentures.

Do You Have Other Denture Frequently Asked Questions?

If you have any other false teeth frequently asked questions that you need more information on, make sure to send me a message and I will do my best to get them answered for you. Chances are that you are not the only one that wants to know the answer, so let me know in the comments below and I’ll do what I can to help.