If you want an affordable and effective way to replace your missing teeth, your dentist might recommend removable dentures. You can receive a partial fixture or a full arch of prosthetic teeth depending on your unique dental needs. Many patients appreciate that they can take out these appliances when not in use, such as during sleep.
In order to get the most out of these fixtures, you will need proper maintenance for both the appliances and the rest of your smile. Read on to find three tips from your Marriottsville, MD dentist to care for your dentures.
Removable Dentures Aftercare Advice
Continue Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Caring for your removable dentures properly means you have to keep the rest of your mouth clean and healthy. This means brushing your teeth at least twice each day and flossing daily. You can remove your dentures when completing this oral hygiene routine, so you do not have to worry about disruptions to this process.
If you do not clean your smile properly, plaque will remain on your teeth, which can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and many other dental concerns. These issues can cause your dental structure to change, which may mean your dentures no longer fit properly.
Ill-fitting dentures may not work effectively, and you might need to get new ones if this occurs. To avoid this replacement process, keep up with healthy oral hygiene habits.
Rinse and Soak Your Dentures
Your dentures will need separate cleaning and maintenance from the rest of your smile in order to continue functioning at their best. You should brush your dentures with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleanser once a day.
These appliances collect food and plaque over the course of a day which needs to be removed. Otherwise, these particles can negatively impact your oral health. Make sure you rinse dentures before putting them back in your mouth. Do not use hot water as the high temperatures could melt the fixture.
You should also soak your dentures when not wearing them, such as while you sleep. Use water or a specialized cleaning solution to submerge and soak the dentures. If left out in the open air, the dentures will dry out and warp their shape.
Visit Your Dentist for Regular Check-Ups
You should attend regular dental check-ups with your dentist no matter what, but if you have dentures, these routine visits are even more important. During these appointments, your dentist cleans your teeth, scraping plaque from tricky-to-reach spots of the mouth and preventing major dental damage.
Your dentist will also make sure your dentures still fit and function as they should. They can find early signs of dental problems like cavities too and offer treatment before they can hurt your smile.
With this type of preventative dental care, removable dentures can last for five years before requiring replacement. If you notice a problem with your dentures, let your dentist know as soon as possible.