Receiving dentures can be a sad and traumatic experience for many patients.  For the long term good of the patient, the dentist and staff should allow for the patient's psychological adjustment.  It is natural for people to want their dentures to have a discreet and natural appearance. 

LOSS OF BODY PARTS

A parallel has been drawn between the loss of teeth and the loss of another body part through medical procedures, such as a hysterectomy or mastectomy.  Most patients who are undergoing a mastectomy or a hysterectomy receive some sort of counseling and definitely receive sympathetic care.  Information that encourages a patient in this situation would boost their coping mechanisms during the adjustment period.

LOOK YOUNGER

A well made denture can help the wearer to look younger by filling out their cheeks and smoothing facial lines.  The teeth themselves can be made to look bright, yet natural in color.  This would be an upgrade when compared to stained aging teeth that are present before being extracted for denture preparation.

PROPER CLEANING TO PREVENT SURFACE ROUGHNESS

The care of the denture is important.  The denture should be cleaned daily to keep it odor free.  Using a traditional toothpaste to brush dentures can cause surface roughness.  This roughness creates small areas where odor-causing bacteria can increase in growth.  For this reason, a patient should clean their denture with a cleaner specifically designed for dentures.

Like many other changes in life, the transition to dentures can be eased with helpful information delivered in a compassionate manner.