You can find effective and affordable appliances that will replace missing teeth with removable dentures. These devices feature custom prosthetic teeth on an acrylic base that you can take out of your mouth when not needed.
Many people appreciate the flexibility and comfort that comes with removable appliances. But to maximize the restorative dental benefits, you will also need to take proper care of these dental fixtures.
With good care, these dentures can last for five years or so before requiring replacement. Read on to find advice from your dentist about how to clean and maintain your removable dentures.
Aftercare Tips for Removable Dentures
Continue Good Oral Hygiene
Prosthetic teeth will not be subject to decay like your natural teeth. But you will still need to take care of the rest of your smile if you want to get the most out of your removable dentures. You will need to practice oral hygiene to get rid of plaque, excess bacteria, and other harmful residues that form in your smile.
This will entail brushing your remaining teeth at least twice a day and flossing each day. Your dentist may also recommend using mouthwash to boost the cleanliness of your smile. This practice will scrub away plaque that can cause dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
If you sustain further dental damage, it can affect the fit of your dentures. You might need replacements for ill-fitting dentures sooner if you do not keep the rest of your smile healthy with good oral hygiene.
Complete Separate Cleaning for Dentures
Removable dentures allow you to practice your usual oral hygiene regimen without interruption because you can take out your appliances to access the entire surface of your mouth. You will also need to take out your dentures to clean the appliances themselves in a separate routine.
The dentures will garner plaque as well as the rest of your smile. And though prosthetic teeth will not decay, the plaque can spread to hurt your remaining teeth and gums if you do not remove it.
At least once a day, you should brush your dentures too. Use a specialized or non-abrasive paste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to do this. This ensures you do not scratch your dentures during the cleaning process.
Rinse and Soak Your Oral Appliances
Any time you take dentures out of your mouth, you should rinse them before putting them back into place in the mouth. This gets rid of germs and excess cleaning solutions that could harm your smile. Do not use hot water to do this because the high temperatures could melt the plastic of the appliances.
Also, you will need to soak your dentures when not wearing them, such as while you sleep. You can place the dentures in a cup of water or a special cleaning fluid. The dentures will dry out otherwise, causing the frame and shape to warp irreparably.
If this occurs, do not wear your ill-fitting, damaged dentures. Call your dentist for a replacement that will not cause further harm to your smile.