Denture Maintenance: Everything to Know

Your dentures are removable appliances that are fabricated to replace your missing teeth. They are made from a combination of acrylic and porcelain and are supported by metal clasps. Dentures can be fabricated to replace all of your natural teeth or just one or more missing teeth. Dentures are comfortable, easy to wear, and convenient. They help in restoring your ability to chew and speak properly and also help in the regeneration of bone loss caused by tooth loss.

Why is it Important to Care for Your Dentures?

Dentures are like other oral appliances and need to be maintained properly. A well-cared-for set of dentures will serve you for years, whereas poorly maintained ones could need replacement every year or two.

Care for Your Denture Using These Tips

Denture maintenance includes brushing your dentures at least twice a day, soaking in a denture cleaning solution overnight, and regularly checking your dentures for damage.

• Brushing Your Dentures

Dentures should be brushed after every meal. It helps to remove food debris, bacteria, and other harmful substances from between the denture’s surfaces and your gum tissues. A clean denture will help you maintain better oral hygiene and avoid ill effects like bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. 

• Soaking Your Dentures

Soaking your dentures overnight helps to remove any food particles that may be stuck between them. The next day, rinse them with water and brush them well before wearing them again. 

• Avoiding Food Stains

Dentures should be removed before eating sticky or hard foods like peanut butter, ice cream, etc., as they can get stuck in between the surfaces of the denture. Avoid eating sticky foods while wearing your denture to avoid stains on the acrylic portion of your denture that may not be removed completely. 

• Using a Protective Coating

A protective coating must be used on the acrylic portion of your denture. Any stains or discoloration on this portion can be removed using a special whitening toothpaste for acrylic teeth or by soaking the denture for about 30 minutes in a mixture of warm water and hydrogen peroxide.

• Finding the Right Denture 

Finding the perfect denture to fit your mouth is vital for its correct functioning. Any imperfect fit will lead to discomfort and ill-fitting, which would lead to sores or irritation in the gums that could take weeks to heal completely. A well-fitted denture makes it easy for you to eat, speak, and smile confidently again.

• Denture adjustment

Typically, you will need a denture adjustment once per year. Keep in mind that the lifetime of your dentures depends on several factors. For example, people who grind their teeth may wear down their dentures more quickly, so they will need more frequent adjustments. However, if you take good care of your dentures, they can last for several years.

• Denture reline

On average, you can expect to reline your dentures every 3-5 years. However, depending on your oral health and changes in your jaw muscles, you may need them sooner. During your consultation, your dentist will assess the health of your gum tissue and jaw. If they notice any changes in gum tissue or if your jaw muscles are shifting, they may recommend a reline before your next adjustment. Relining your dentures helps create a secure bond between your gums and dentures. This provides stability for your dentures, allowing you easier access to foods and better chewing abilities.

Why should I care for my dentures?

When you don’t maintain your dentures and your denture care routine is irregular, your dentures can lose their fit, irritate your gums, or cause other problems.

For more details about denture maintenance and care, call us at (702) 331-2121, book online, or visit us at 10521 Jeffreys St #200, Henderson, NV 89052.