Dentures are a topic of mild disgust for most Americans - unnatural and uncanny, initial impressions of them range from the chattering, wind-up toy versions of childhood to something straight out of a horror film.  They're nothing to shy away from, however, and, if properly prescribed, fitted, and maintained, can help a wide range of individuals recover from partial or complete tooth loss and regain the normal use of their oral functions. Sometimes, however, after having the implement instated, things may still not feel quite right. How will you be able to tell if your dentures fit your mouth properly?

Dentures are artificial sets of teeth and gums meant to be used in place of teeth lost previously for one reason or another - they are removable, not fully attached to the jaws, and thus must be constructed meticulously to match the contours of your individual mouth precisely. During your initial appointment, x-rays and impressions will be taken of your mouth and used to mold your new set of teeth out of a resin composite; this fidelity to reality is what allows them to be held into place without being implanted and set through the gumline.

During the initial period of time immediately after receiving a new set of dentures, it's natural for them to feel awkward and clumsy in your mouth as you get used to using them; eating and speaking and changes in the patterns of saliva secretion you experience may present a new set of challenges, but after a few weeks these effects should subside. If they don't, it could be an indicator that they are notthe correct size and shape for your mouth.

One thing you should be on the lookout for while getting used to your new dentures is any manifestation of pain or the appearance of sores in unusual spots - this can be a sign of the dentures chaffing against your gums, which is not normal and a sign of a poor fit. Dentures that slip and slide both while in use and at rest are another red flag; they should generally be immobile, especially when you're not eating or speaking. An excessive amount of debris from food observed during your nightly cleaning routine is also a positive indicator of an underlying issue, as the gummed portion of normal dentures should seal most of those hidden areas during your daily oral activity; more than simply a source of bad breath, this scenario creates an opportune environment for disease and infection to thrive, requiring prompt action on the part of the patient in the form of a dental exam to assess the situation.

The use of dental adhesive can practiced as a temporary solution, but for long-term relief, it's best to consult your dentist; they will be able to rule out the possibility of a more severe problem at play definitively. Often, a re-lining of the dentures is in order and can often achieve lasting, positive effects.