Dentures:: How Would You Like Your Teeth To Be?

When a prosthodontist makes a new set of dentures for a patient, there are several things that can be changed in order to recapture the look you want as a patient.  If you've worn the same set of dentures for a long time, your ridges have shrunk.  As a result, your bite has become closed down and getting back the height of your bite will give you a more normal dimension in the lower third of your face.  In addition, your old teeth seem to have receded and putting the new teeth back where your natural teeth used to be results in better lip and facial support.

You will be a partner in the process.  By seeing your teeth before they are finished, you can be sure they aren't too big or too small, they're straight or irregular, your midline is correct, and they are the color you desire.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

How To Use Denture Adhesives

Denture adhesives, when properly used, can improve the retention and stability of dentures and help seal out the accumulation of food particles beneath the dentures, even in well fitting dentures.  In a quality-of-life study, patient ratings showed that denture adhesives may improve a denture wearer's perception of retention, stability and quality of life; however, there is insufficient evidence that adhesives improve chewing ability.  Because there is little evidence regarding the effects of adhesive use for longer than six months, extended use of adhesives should be combined with periodic assessment of denture quality and health of the supporting tissues by your Board Certified Prosthodontist.  

Zinc-containing adhesives may have adverse systemic effects and should be avoided.  The ideal amount of adhesive is three or four pea -sized dollops in each denture.  All adhesive should be removed from your denture and mouth on a daily basis.  If increasing amounts of adhesive is necessary, it is time for the dentures to be considered for relines.  Yearly dental checkups for evaluation of the dentures is is an important part of oral cancer screening.  

Source:  Evidence-based guidelines of the American College of Prosthodontists as commissioned by the American Dental Association

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Tips for Denture Care

Denture Maintenance

Careful daily removal of the bacterial and fungal biofilm present in the mouth and on complete dentures is important to minimize denture inflammation (stomatitis) and to help contribute to good oral and general health.  

Patients who wear dentures should do the following:  

1.  daily cleansing by soaking is  superior to denture creams and pastes and less abrasive; 

2.  denture cleansers should only be used outside the mouth;  

3.  dentures should be thoroughly rinsed after cleaning before reinsertion into the mouth;

4.  dentures should never be placed in boiling water, because they will warp;

5.  dentures can be soaked in bleach solutions but only for 10 minutes or less.  

Your local Board Certified Prosthodontist (denture specialist) can help you with your dentures.  

Source:  evidence-based guidelines from the American College of Prosthodontists as commissioned by the American Dental Association

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., 
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309 (map)