Category Archives: Dentures

Dentures

Are There Soft Dentures?

Does anyone make soft dentures? It is more important for me on the upper denture. That hard plate is very uncomfortable and half the time I feel like I am choking.

Kelsey

Dear Kelsey,

I am sorry you are having trouble with your dentures. To be honest, there are quite a few miserable denture patients out there. To answer your question, while there is not a soft denture, there is a soft liner. However, this is mostly to help ease the pain from a bumpy lower ridge. It would not be much help to your situation.

The upper dentures generally have to have that firm plate in order to keep it secure for you to chew. As you can imagine (or maybe you do not have to imagine), those with a strong gag reflex find dentures miserable.

The best option you have is to switch from completely removable dentures to implant supported dentures. Not only will it take away the need for the upper plate altogether, but it will also protect you from the bone loss that will occur in your jawbone.

Without that, eventually, you will lose so much jawbone that you won’t be able to retain your dentures. This is known as facial collapse. Having dental implants placed in your lower jaw will preserve the jawbone.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Hillary Peck.

Dentures

Got dentures- now I can’t eat

I’m really unhappy with my dentures.  I’ve had them about two weeks and I just can’t eat anymore. I’ve already lost weight. I was very slender to begin with so I can’t afford to lose much more. My dentist isn’t listening to me. He tells me they are fine and I just need time to get used to them. Is there anything I can do?

Elise L. – Montana

Elise,

Before you got dentures, your dentist was under an ethical obligation to share all the treatment options with you. If he didn’t, I would have serious concern about continuing your care with him. Plus, when you’re frustrated and hungry, it doesn’t help to have a dentist that isn’t listening to you.

 No matter how well fitting someone’s dentures are, they will lose about 50% of your chewing capacity. Though some people seem to survive the change, others find it a misery.  Eventually your dentures will start to slip as well. That is the bad news.
The good news is you have options. The best option, before you even got dentures, is to get dental implants. This does require a surgical procedure and is more expensive than dentures, but it will be like having your own teeth again.
If you can’t afford that, there is a procedure using mini implants that can anchor your dentures. This will improve your eating facility.
I’m sorry for what you are going through.
This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

 

Dentures

Denture is too hard

Is there a way to get a softer denture? Mine is too hard and is hurting the roof of my mouth.

Eileen S.- Babylon, NY

Eileen,

There isn’t really a soft denture. You can get a soft lining for your dentures. They are more comfortable than other types of dentures. The downside is they are more expensive and do not hold up as well.

You are not the only patient who finds dentures hard to deal with. The best solution is to switch to dental implants. They function and feel just like your natural teeth. You’ll be more comfortable, you’ll be able to eat the foods you love again.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.