If you’re new to wearing dentures, care may at first seem like an easy process. This notion leads many patients to neglect the daily routine they should take to preserve their natural smile. It’s important to understand that, for all the advantages dentures provide as tooth-replacement options, proper and regular maintenance makes all the difference when it comes to their long-term utility.
Routine Care
After undergoing normal wear over time, dentures eventually require replacement. With the right upkeep, a patient can expect this appliance to last up to seven years. As one could imagine, the cost of replacing dentures throughout a lifetime can add up, which is why proper care is essential. Here are some tips to extend the life of your full or partial denture:
- Treat with care - Dentures can crack or break when as a result of extraneous force. For this reason, it’s important to refrain from chewing on items such as pen caps, ice chips, and hard candies, or using these appliances as tools.
- Keep them fresh- Dentures can dry out. Keep them immersed in water or denture cleaner whenever you’re not wearing them. Remember not to place them in hot water, as it can cause your denture to warp.
- Brush daily - To keep your dentures as pristine as possible, brush them daily to remove surface stains, plaque, and food particles. Check with your dentist about the right toothpaste to use when brushing your dentures, as many contain active ingredients far too abrasive for the acrylic.
In addition to caring for your dentures, don’t forget to keep up with daily hygiene for your gums and teeth. Even when wearing full dentures, regularly brushing the gums and tongue removes bacteria. Patients wearing partial dentures should be sure to remove them prior to brushing the supporting teeth.
Long-Term Considerations for Your Dentures
Dentures may need adjustment to accommodate the subtle changes that occur in oral structure as we age. While making these alterations may seem like a straightforward task, you are more likely to cause more damage by attempting to do this on your own. Denture maintenance requires the skill of an experienced professional.
If caring for dentures becomes too troublesome, consider replacing traditional dentures with implant-supported full or partial dentures. With the additional security provided by implants, these prosthetics require less adjustment and have a more natural, stable fit.
If you’re seeking denture replacement or want to learn more about implant-supported dentures in Birmingham, the team at Woodlawn Dental is here to help. Give our office a call today.