Care Tips to Extend the Life of Dentures

False teeth, or dentures, are removable appliances that help many people eat and smile with confidence. When properly cared for, a set can last for many years.

Dentures are typically made of either porcelain or acrylic resin. Porcelain dentures last longer. However, they weigh more than acrylic dentures and are more expensive.

Acrylic resin dentures are simpler to adjust. Acrylic is easier to fit into the denture base, and the material adheres more securely to it. Acrylic resin is lighter and less expensive than porcelain. However, it wears faster than porcelain. The wear and tear on acrylic dentures can cause them to change the way they fit together in your mouth. You may have to replace them more often than porcelain dentures. You can still expect acrylic resin dentures to last about five to eight years.

Dentures do require some maintenance, and it is important that patients know how to spot issues in the early stages. When an individual receives a new denture, special care should be taken to learn how to keep it usable for years to come. 

3 tips to extend the life of dentures

Basic care practices include daily maintenance as well as the periodic examination of the dentures for repair needs. Even though the patient has no teeth, regular dental appointments should still be maintained so that the doctor can examine the oral structures and integrity of the denture material. Any issues that arise with an oral appliance should be addressed by a dental professional in a timely manner.

1. Remove dentures at night

Any patient who wears false teeth should soak them in a cleaning solution overnight. The tissue under the removable appliance needs to breathe, and patients who never remove dentures have a higher incidence of oral fungal infection. It is also important that the teeth soak overnight so that plaque and bacteria can be removed. When plaque hardens on a denture, it turns into calculus, which can greatly inhibit its longevity and can also affect the aesthetics of the appliance.

When soaking your dentures, take care to avoid using very hot or boiling water. The high temperature can cause your dentures to warp. Also, if you have metal fittings, chlorine in water can cause the metal to tarnish.

Wearers who use denture adhesive need to take extra care when cleaning to make sure all the residue is removed each night. A soft toothbrush can be used for any hard-to-reach areas, and most drugstores have soaking solutions available.

2. Have dentures relined as needed

The two types of relines, known as soft relines or hard relines, refer to the type of material used for the procedure. When the patient notices that a denture is fitting more loosely than normal, an appointment should be made with a dentist. Additional material can be added to improve the performance, and a proper reline can keep the patient from needing to invest in a whole new set of teeth.

A denture reline may be necessary every few years; however, after several relines, a new set may be needed to create a proper fit. The jawbone shrinks over time, and false teeth must be adjusted to account for this.

3. Address any cracks early

Wearers should examine dentures regularly to check for cracks. What starts as a hairline fracture in acrylic can soon turn into a broken appliance. If any flaws in the material are found, the patient should see a dentist as soon as possible. Sometimes, early intervention can prevent a costly repair. The patient should also take care to avoid dropping the teeth to prevent breaks.

Do not try adjusting the denture yourself, as you can damage them permanently.

Conclusion

Dentures are a worthwhile investment for many people, and a set can help restore confidence and chewing function. Today's false teeth are much more advanced than those of previous generations. Porcelain and acrylic resin are long-lasting, durable, safe, and effective.

Patients must understand, though, how to properly care for their new dentures. Call your dentist's office if you have questions about caring for them. The staff can review your questions and give you instructions for proper maintenance.

If you have specific issues you need to address, be sure to bring them up so that your dentist can talk to you about them. Your dentist wants you to be comfortable with your new false teeth and confident about caring for them.

Whether patients choose porcelain or acrylic resin dentures, when maintained correctly, they can wear them for many years, giving the person a healthy smile.

Request an appointment here: https://www.northcoastfamilydental.com or call North Coast Dental Implants & Cosmetics at (760) 705-3407 for an appointment in our San Marcos office.

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