Whether you have new dentures or are simply thinking about getting dentures, learning how to care for dentures is important. Depending on the type of dentures you have, there are various methods to keep them clean. Some people use only store-bought products, while others prefer more natural cleaning agents. Whatever your preferences are, we offer tips for keeping your dentures fresh and clean.
Determining What Type of Dentures Are Right for You
There may be many reasons why you need dentures. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons states that, in adults between the ages of 35 to 44, almost 70 percent are missing at least one tooth. In their study, tooth loss was attributed to accidents, gum disease, dental fractures, and tooth decay.
Whether you need a few replacement teeth or a full set, life with dentures can be very enriching.
To find out what is the best solution for you does require a visit to a dentist. During the examination, the dentist will review your dental and medical history, examine X-rays, assess your bone structure, and determine your suitability for different types of treatment.
Replacement of teeth falls into three general categories — dentures, dental bridges, or implants. Within these categories, there are several options:
- Partial or full dentures
- Temporary dentures
- Fixed or cantilever bridge
- Implants
- Snap-on dentures
- Implant-supported fixed dentures
There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Your dentist will discuss their recommendation with you and answer any questions you may have.
Difference Between Traditional Dentures and Implant Dentures
Perhaps the largest difference between dentures and dental implants is that dentures are removable and implants are permanently mounted. Traditional dentures are constructed on a tray that fits over your gums (gingival tissue). Implants are anchored directly to your jawbone.
Traditional Dentures — Full and Partial
Traditional dentures are the least costly of the tooth replacement options. In a nutshell, dentures are replacement teeth, Although very effective, they may not be the right choice for everyone. Many factors go into the choice for traditional dentures or the newer implant dentures.
Dentures can be full or partial. Full dentures contain top or bottom teeth mounted in a tray usually called a plate. They slip in over the gums. Although some people can wear dentures without adhesives, many people use adhesives to keep the plates in place while chewing, speaking, and drinking.
Partial dentures may include one tooth or several teeth to replace missing teeth and fill gaps. If natural teeth are in good shape, a dentist may recommend a partial denture to fill gaps to make eating easier and to keep natural teeth from shifting into gaps.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are also false teeth. Rather than being mounted on a removable plate, or tray, they are permanently anchored to the patient’s jawbone. The overwhelming advantage of implant dentures is that they are more like natural teeth in both appearance and care.
To mount implant dentures, the dentist first attaches a titanium anchor to the jaw. The tooth or teeth match natural teeth as closely as possible. They are affixed to the anchors and should only be removed by a dentist.
Implants can also be full or partial. If a person’s natural teeth are in good shape, but they are missing one or more, implants can be useful in filling gaps to keep natural teeth from shifting. If the patient requires complete replacement of all their natural teeth, implants can create the appearance of a full smile.
Although individual mounting is used for single tooth placement, one anchor can be used to mount a set of teeth. For instance, the average number of anchors for a full line of top teeth is 4 to 6, depending on the jaw size.
How to Care for Traditional Dentures
Learning how to properly care for dentures is important. Even though they won’t develop cavities like real teeth, they can develop bacteria, plaque, and icky stuff that will make your whole mouth taste and smell bad.
The easiest way to care for dentures is to purchase denture tablets anywhere that sells dental care products. These are normally inexpensive, individually wrapped, and easy to use. You simply remove your dentures, place them in a shallow dish or cup, add lukewarm water to cover the appliances, then drop a tablet into the water. The recommended soaking period is 20 minutes at least once per day.
You should also exercise some oral care when you remove your dentures. With a soft-bristled brush, gently brush your entire mouth including the roof (palate), tongue, and gums. This removes any residual adhesive and cleans out any remaining food particles and bacteria, leaving your mouth fresh and clean.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Care for Dentures
- Use caution removing dentures as they are fragile and can break if you drop them. Placing a folded towel on the counter will help.
- Remove and rinse your dentures. Use lukewarm water. Hot water can cause damage to your dentures.
- Using a soft-bristled brush, gently brush food residue and plaque from your dentures under running water. Be sure to get any remaining adhesive residue off. Soaking your dentures for 10 to 20 minutes with a denture tablet makes this process easier.
- Soaking your dentures overnight is acceptable. It is important to keep your dentures moist as dryness may make them brittle.
- Always brush and rinse your dentures after soaking to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
Always use non-abrasive cleaners and toothpaste on your dentures. If you prefer a natural soaking solution, mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with water is a suitable alternative to denture tablets.
How to Care for Implant Dentures
Care for dental implants is the same as brushing and flossing your natural teeth. The difference is in the products you use. You should avoid toothpaste that contains abrasives. Whitening toothpaste can be useful for removing coffee, tea, and other food stains, but are not necessary.
Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to floss at least once daily to remove food particles from between teeth and around the gumline. Your teeth may not be subject to cavities, but you can still get bad breath and infections from poor oral care.
Contact Aesthetic Dental Group to Explore Your Options
Whether you are interested in implant dentures or traditional dentures, Aesthetic Dental Group can help. If you already have dentures or implants, Dr. Cross and Dr. Chan offer complete Cosmetic Dentistry services in the Bridgewater, NJ area.
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