How to Maintain Dentures for Durability
Tooth loss is an oral health issue affecting many people from all walks of life. Fortunately, when you lose a tooth, you do not have to remain toothless. Instead, various options exist to restore missing teeth, including full and partial dentures. Continue reading to learn how to maintain your dentures so they last a long time.
What Are Dentures?
They are custom-made prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. Dentures are supported by the soft and hard tissues surrounding the oral cavity. These prosthetics help restore chewing and speech functions affected by missing teeth. They also restore facial symmetry by preventing your face from sagging due to jawbone loss.
There are two primary denture types, full and partial dentures. Dentists recommend full dentures for patients who want to replace all teeth in their mouths. The local dentist will prescribe partial dentures if you miss a few teeth. Dentures can be fabricated from acrylic, nylon, or metal. They are stabilized by dental implants, clasping or bonding onto teeth.
Ways to Make Dentures More Durable
Getting a well-fitting, natural-looking denture set takes a good dentist, time, and finances. Well-crafted and high-quality dentures from the Aurora dentist can last over a decade. However, they must be appropriately maintained. Below are tips to help you extend the lifespan of your dentures.
- Handle your dentures with care
You should always handle them with care to avoid damaging or breaking them. For example, when taking your dentures out, use both hands. Pulling them out from one side can cause them to lose shape over time. When cleaning, place the dentures on a folded towel or fill the sink with water. It will help prevent breaking them.
- Clean your dentures daily
Cleaning these prosthetics helps to prevent them from discoloring or yellowing. It also keeps plaque from forming on the dentures protecting your oral health. Therefore, you must clean them daily. Use a soft-bristled denture brush, denture solution, or warm water to clean your dentures thoroughly. Always rinse them after meals and before wearing them.
- Remove and soak your dentures every night
The team at the dental offices in Aurora recommends taking out your dentures and soaking them each night. Doing so allows your gums to rest so that you do not develop sores. It also helps to remove hidden bacteria from the dentures preventing gum inflammation. Finally, soaking the dentures keeps them moist and flexible. This decreases their chance of breaking.
- Avoid at-home repairs
Do not try to remove food debris stuck on your dentures with a toothpick because you will damage them. Also, do not try to fix broken, warped, or stained dentures on your own. You may damage them beyond fixing.
- Visit the dentist regularly
Ensure you visit the dentist at least twice a year when using dentures. The Aurora dentist will examine your dentures and repair them when necessary to make them last longer. They will also advise you on better ways to care for your dentures for durability.
When to Replace Your Dentures
Although you can make your dentures last long, they cannot last forever. They need to be replaced after a long while. Also, although you can take precautions to reduce accidents, you cannot prevent them altogether. So, at some point, you will need to replace them. Below are tips to help you know when to visit the nearby family dentistry for new dentures.
- Your dentures need replacing once they feel loose or are falling out. This may occur due to natural changes in your gums and jawbone.
- Replace your dentures when you start having difficulty speaking. Once you notice your words sound slurred or slushy, replace the dentures for improved speech.
- The prosthetics should be replaced when they cause pain or harm to your gums. When you notice increased discomfort when chewing gum sores or lesions, visit the dentist.
- Also, replace them if they become damaged or have chips and cracks.
- You can also get new dentures if your old ones are too stained and unattractive.
Do you want to replace your missing teeth with dentures, or do you want to replace your old dentures? Then contact us at Spruce Canyon Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Our dental team will customize dentures to improve your dental function, smile, and facial appearance.