Complete dentures in Guwahati.

Dentures are a specialist's work

Complete dentures are prosthodontic work: replacing missing teeth is exactly what the specialism trains for. Dr. Abeda Parveen is an MDS prosthodontist — a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist and Implantologist — and makes complete dentures herself.

A denture that fits well depends on details most people never see: an accurate impression of the gums, the correct height between the jaws, and teeth set so that the bite is balanced. Those details decide whether a denture stays put when you talk and eat.

Why dentures become loose

Dentures loosen mainly because the jawbone under missing teeth slowly shrinks over the years, so a denture that once fitted well no longer matches the gums. That is why an old denture usually needs relining or remaking, not more adhesive.

A loose denture that rubs can cause sore spots and ulcers. Those should be checked rather than put up with, because the fix is often a simple adjustment.

When a denture needs extra hold

Where a conventional denture will not stay in place — most often the lower one — two or more implants can be placed in the jaw to hold it firmly. The denture clips onto the implants, so it does not slip when you eat or speak.

Whether implants suit you depends on your jawbone and general health, which the examination and an X-ray assess. If they are not advisable, a carefully made conventional denture is the answer.

Getting used to new dentures

New dentures take a few weeks to get used to. Speech usually settles first with practice; confident chewing takes longer.

Starting with soft food cut into small pieces, chewing on both sides at once, makes the first weeks easier. Short adjustment visits ease any spots that rub.