DENTURES

Read the text carefully. Pay attention to words in the bold print

Dentures are false teeth made to replace teeth that have been lost. Dentures can be complete or partial. Complete dentures cover your entire upper or lower jaw. Aconventional full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after theremaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed which may take several months. An immediate complete dentures are inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

Partial dentures replace one or a few missing teeth. Advances an development in dentistry have contributed to many improvements in dentures. They are more natural looking and comfortable than they used to be. But they still may feel strangeat first. In the beginning, dentist may want to see the patient often to make sure the dentures fit well. Over time, patient’s mouth will change and the dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced as they become lose. Loose dentures can cause health problems, including sores and infections. A loose denture also makes chewing more difficult and may change your facial features. It's important to replace worn orpoorly-fitting dentures before they cause problems. 
Speaking and eating may feel different with dentures. Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will help. Patients may find that the dentures occasionally slip when they laugh, cough or smile. Dentures must be sometimes repositioned by gentle biting down and swallowing in such situations. When wearing dentures the patient must be careful because they may make it harder for him/her to feel hot foods and liquids.

Even with full dentures, patient still needs to take good care of his/her mouth and have regular dental check-ups. The dentist will examine patient’s mouth to see if dentures continue to fit properly. The dentist also examines the mouth for signs of oral diseases including cancer.

GLOSSARY
advance – postęp 
become lose – stają się luźne 
complete – kompletny 
contribute – przyczynić się 
conventional – konwencjonalny, standardowy 
cover – zakryć 
dentures – protezy 
facial – twarzowy (związany z twarzą) 
false – sztuczny 
feature – cecha 
fit – pasować 
heal – goić/zagoić się 
immediate – natychmiastowy 
improvement – udoskonalenie 
insert – wstawiać 
liquid – ciecz, płyn
measurement – miara, pomiar
out loud – na głos
partial – częściowy
period – okres
poorly-fitting – źle pasujący, leżący
preliminary – wstępny, przygotowawczy
pronounce – wymawiać
properly – prawidłowo, właściwie
remaining – pozostały
replace – zastąpić
slip – wyśliznąć się
sore – rana
strange – dziwny
troublesome – kłopotliwy
worn – zużyty

Complete the crossword puzzle

1. Another word for ‘STANDARD’ or ‘REGULAR’
2. Introductory, prior to or preparing for some action
3. To place into 
4. To restore, return to health
5. Occurring at once
6. The size, dimension or capacity established by measuring
7. Synonym of ‘not real’, ‘not genuine’
8. To be proper size or shape

Connect patient’s questions with doctor’s answers

A. How long should I ear my dentures?
B. How often should I schedule dental appointment?
C. Should I use a denture adhesive?
D. Can I make minor adjustments or repairs to my dentures?
E. Will my dentures need to be replaced?

1. ‘Yes, I strongly recommend using it. This kind of a product can provide additional support for well-fitting dentures. However, you must remember that they are not the solution for old, ill-fitting dentures.’

2. ‘Your dentist will provide instructions about how long dentures should be kept in place. During the first few days, you may be advised to wear them most of the time, including while you sleep. After the initial adjustment period, you may be instructed to remove the dentures before going to bed.’

3.‘Over time, dentures will need to be refitted. Dentures may need to be replaced if they become loose and the teeth show signs of significant wear. Dentures become loose because a mouth naturally changes with age. It's important to replace worn or poorly-fitting dentures before they cause problems.’

4. ‘Your dentist will advise you about how often to visit. Remember that regular dental check-ups are important. The dentist will examine your mouth to see if your dentures continue to fit properly. The dentist also examines your mouth for signs and symptoms of oral diseases.’

5. ‘Definitely not! You can seriously damage your dentures and harm your health by trying to adjust or repair your dentures. A denture that is not made to fit properly can cause irritation and sores. See your dentist if your dentures break, crack, chip, or if one of the teeth becomes loose. A dentist can often make the necessary adjustments or repairs on the same day. Glue sold over-the-counter often contains harmful chemicals and should not be used on dentures.’

Complete this short text about proper oral hygiene for dentures wearers with the words from the table

Dentures are very delicate and may 1)______________ if dropped. That is why stand over a folded towel when handling dentures. When you are not wearing them, 2)_____________ your dentures away from children and pets. Like natural teeth, dentures must be 3)____________ daily to 4)______________ food deposits and plaque. Brushing helps prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and helps your mouth stay healthy. It's best to use a brush 5)______________ for cleaning dentures. A toothbrush with soft bristles can also be used. Avoid using hard-bristled brushes that can 6)____________ dentures. Some denture wearers use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid, which are both acceptable for cleaning dentures. Dentures may 7)______________ their shape if they are allowed to dry out. When they are not worn, dentures should be placed in water. Ultrasonic cleaners are also used to 8)______________ for dentures.

 
Lesson 12 answers