Dentures and Denture Care

A tooth, or several teeth, can be replaced with a denture or removable prosthesis. Complete dentures replace all upper or lower teeth, while partial dentures replace one or several teeth. Your new dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. Initially, minor soreness or irritation is not uncommon. Followup appointments for adjustment are generally needed. Eating, at first, can take some patience; start with soft foods and chew slowly using both sides of the mouth at the same time.

Caring for Your Dentures:
Dentures can break if dropped even from a few inches, for example, to the bathroom countertop. When handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel, or a sink basin filled with water. Brush dentures daily to remove food remnants and plaque. This helps prevent permanent stains. Use a brush designed for cleaning dentures or a toothbrush with soft bristles. You may clean with toothpaste, hand soap, or mild dishwashing liquid. Do not use abrasive household cleaners or bleach, which might whiten the pink portion of the dentures.

Do not allow your dentures to dry out since this may cause them to lose their shape. When not wearing them, place them in a denture cleansing/soaking solution or in water. Store them away from children and pets. Never place dentures in hot water which could cause them to warp.

Do not attempt to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. You can cause damage or warping that may then cause irritation or sores in your mouth. Visit your dentist if your dentures break, crack, chip, or if any elements become loose.

Implant-Supported Dentures and Bridges

Some people are not able to comfortably wear an upper or lower denture. Some dentures do not stay in place, gag people, make it difficult to talk or chew, or can cause pain. Implants might be the perfect choice to alleviate or avoid these issues. Bone is continuously lost in the jaw once natural teeth have been removed. Implants help prevent the loss of bone within the jaw. There are several ways to use implants to restore a fully or partially edentulous arch. One way is via a modified denture. It clips to a bar that is connected to the implant. This clip bar retained over denture can be utilized in the upper arch or the lower arch. If utilized in the upper arch, most of the time we can create a denture without palatal acrylic. This is usually the area of a denture that causes gagging. Dentures are removed by the patient at home for maintenance. Another option is a bridge. It may be cemented in or held in place by screws. Thus, using dental implants can make a world of difference.You can eat, talk, and smile with confidence, knowing your denture or bridge is as secure as dentistry can offer.