Denture Care Tips: Extending the Life of Your Smile
Congratulations on restoring your smile with traditional or implant-supported dentures. Now that you’re smiling your best once again, it’s important to safeguard your investment. Dr. Blackmon and his patient-centered team at Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center have put together helpful care tips to ensure your new dentures maintain their comfort, function, and natural appearance for years to come.
What Are Traditional and Implant-Supported Dentures?
Traditional dentures are removable oral prosthetic devices designed to replace some or all of your teeth. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and are held in place by natural suction or clasps for support and stability. Dentures offer a cost-effective, time-tested solution for restoring your smile, enhancing your ability to chew and speak, and helping you smile with confidence.
Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, are secured in place by several dental implants anchored to your jawbone. The implants act like artificial tooth roots, providing a strong and stable foundation for your replacement teeth. Implant-supported dentures offer superior chewing function, improved comfort, and unmatched stability, comparable to natural, healthy teeth.
How Should You Care for Your Dentures?
The following are care tips to ensure the longevity of your replacement teeth:
Clean Your Dentures Daily: It’s important to remove and clean your dentures every day to prevent plaque buildup, staining, and infections. Rinse off any food particles or debris and brush your dentures with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser. Avoid rinsing in hot water to prevent your dentures from warping or irreparable damage. Keep your dentures on a soft surface or towel when cleaning them so you don’t accidentally drop them onto a hard surface, which can break or damage them.
Clean Around the Implants and Attachments: When it comes to implant-supported dentures, it’s also important to clean around the abutments, which are the parts that stick out of the gums and connect to your replacement teeth. Plaque and food debris can accumulate around these posts, and if not cleaned properly, can lead to gum inflammation (peri-implantitis) or even implant failure. Our team at Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center will demonstrate how to clean and care for your implant-supported denture to ensure its longevity and to enhance your oral health.
Rinse Your Dentures After Meals: Consuming dark foods and beverages can dull and discolor your restoration over time. Rinsing your denture after every meal can help reduce staining and can also remove food debris and odor-causing bacteria, leaving your smile brighter, cleaner, and fresher.
Soak Your Dentures Overnight: Soak your dentures in a denture cleansing solution or plain water to keep them clean, moist, and protected while you sleep. Don’t forget to clean your gums and around any implant attachments every day. Make sure to rinse your dentures in lukewarm water before placing them back in your mouth.
Don’t Use Denture Adhesives as a “Fix” for Poorly Fitting Dentures: When it comes to traditional dentures, some of our patients find that denture adhesives provide them with an added sense of stability and security. However, it’s important to avoid using adhesives as a solution for ill-fitting dentures. If your dentures no longer fit as they should, we are happy to make adjustments or may recommend a reline to ensure a comfortable fit and the best possible function.
Avoid DIY Denture Repairs or Adjustments: Never attempt to repair damaged or ill-fitting dentures to prevent further damage. If your restoration breaks, becomes loose, or feels uncomfortable, or if you have sore spots, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We will professionally repair or adjust your denture to ensure long-term function and comfort.
Keep Up with Routine Dental Visits: Even if you no longer have any of your natural teeth, it is important to keep up with your regular dental visits. This will ensure your dentures continue to provide the best possible fit and function and that you maintain excellent oral health.
Traditional and Implant-Supported Dentures Near Me in Ponte Vedra, FL
Dr. Blackmon and his patient-centered team at Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center are happy to offer tooth replacement solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you opt for traditional or implant-supported dentures, we are pleased to provide personalized tips and guidance to ensure your restorations continue to enhance your smile for many years to come. Call us at 904-395-5501 or schedule an appointment online today!