Caring For Dentures
What are the types of dentures?
There are several different types of dentures, and the routines for caring for each of them may differ slightly. You should always ask your denturist for advice on caring for your unique dentures.
The two major types of dentures are partial and complete (or full). Partial dentures are dentures that replace only some of your teeth – they’re usually anchored to some of your remaining natural teeth. Complete dentures, on the other hand, replace all of your top or bottom teeth. Complete dentures can be anchored to implants, but the most common type of complete denture is suction fit – these dentures use suction to stay in your mouth, and no anchors are needed.
All of these dentures are removable, which means you can take them out of your mouth to clean them. Always handle your dentures with care – never force the clasps on anchored dentures, and follow the care instructions given to you by your denturist.
When you visit Borbely Swiss for your dentures, we’ll give you complete and comprehensive instructions on care for your specific type of dentures. If you ever have questions about denture care, don’t hesitate to call!
What’s the best way to clean your dentures?
Carefully! Dentures are tough – they’re replacing your teeth, after all – but they have a few weaknesses you need to be aware of. With that in mind, here’s a checklist of all the things you need to do to clean your dentures properly – and a checklist of all the things you should avoid.
When cleaning your dentures, do:
- Clean them often. You’ll want to remove and rinse your dentures after every meal and snack. Washing food debris off of your dentures promotes a healthy mouth.
- Brush your dentures daily. Soak them in warm – never hot – water with a denture cleanser. Once they’ve soaked for the specified amount of time (check the instructions on the cleanser), remove them and carefully brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Work the teeth and base of the denture with the brush to remove any buildup.
- Rinse your dentures after cleaning them. Denture cleansers contain chemicals that can cause all sorts of health problems, from vomiting to burns. Rinse your dentures under warm water for at least a minute after cleaning them before putting them in your mouth.
- Clean them right after removing them. Dentures can dry out if they’re not moist – forgetting to clean your dentures and leaving them in a dry place for too long can cause serious problems. Remove them, clean them, rinse them, then put them back in your mouth or soak them overnight!
When cleaning your dentures, don’t:
- Handle them carelessly. Don’t pick up your dentures by their clasps. Consider putting a towel or another soft material over the sink while washing your dentures so they won’t break if you drop them.
- Use abrasive cleansers. Abrasion can cause serious damage to your dentures. Only use non-abrasive denture cleansers – don’t use things like whitening toothpaste to try to clean your dentures. And avoid bleach!
- Ignore your denturist’s advice. Because no two dentures are exactly the same, your denturist might have specific care advice for your dentures. Follow their instructions, especially if they differ from the advice laid out here.
- Use hot water. Hot water can warp your dentures – only use water that’s room temperature.
What’s the best way to maintain your dentures?
The first step is to follow the care instructions laid out by your denturist. The next step is to follow the cleaning instructions we listed above.
Visit your denturist regularly – at least once a year – to ensure that your dentures are in tip-top shape. In the world of dentures, an ounce of prevention is absolutely worth a pound of cure – maintenance and repairs are a lot more affordable than a new set of dentures.
Finally, be sure to keep your dentures in water overnight.
Why should I keep dentures in water overnight?
Great question! Dentures are designed to spend most of their time in your mouth – a moist environment. If dentures are left in dry environments for too long, the materials in them can dry out, which changes the shape of your denture – permanently! That’s why it’s essential to soak your dentures overnight and keep your dentures moist anytime you take them out of your mouth.
When should I book an appointment?
You should book routine appointments at least once a year – though some patients prefer visiting twice a year! You should also book an appointment anytime you’ve got a problem with your dentures. If something is broken, not fitting right, or causing you soreness, it could be time for repairs, relines, or other remedies.
If you haven’t booked an appointment in a while, we encourage you to book one with us today! We’re Borbely Swiss, and we’re currently accepting new patients. Even if you purchased dentures from another denturist, we’ll gladly help you with repairs, relines, and other maintenance.
Call us for a free consultation today! Also see our other services we offer.
