Whether you’ve worn dentures for years or you’re very new to the idea of prosthetic teeth, one of the most important things that we tell all of our patients is to keep your dentures moist when you’re not wearing them. Soaking them overnight is the best solution to keeping them moist, and even if you occasionally forget, that can be fixed. Today, let’s answer the question of “Why?” it’s important to keep your dentures moist.
When Dentures Dry Out
Dentures are made from a special acrylic compound that while it appears to be rigid and hard, it needs water to help it keep its shape. That’s correct; dentures that dry out lose their shape! When this happens, the dentures may not fit correctly in your mouth any longer, which can cause not only pain but bone deterioration in your jaw as well. In addition to the pain caused by ill-fitting dentures, they become brittle. If your dentures are dry and you accidentally drop them in your sink or onto the floor, they may break and need to be replaced.
Leaving your dentures out for a few hours is not a problem; generally, they can be rehydrated simply by putting them back into your mouth again. However, if you’ve left them out overnight, your best option is probably to soak your dentures in water for at least an hour before placing them in your mouth. This will allow them to moisten up again and ensure a good fit in your mouth. If you have unfortunately allowed your dentures to dry out to the point that they’ve warped out of shape, then please call our office right away.
Our dentists will examine your dentures to see if they can be restored or if they need to be replaced. We are always here for you if you have any problems, questions or concerns about your dentures.