Tips for Making Your Dentures Last

Many who have lost their natural teeth can smile confidently again, thanks to dentures. These oral appliances restore chewing, speaking function, and appearance after someone has lost a few or all of their teeth. Dentures come in a full set for those who have lost most or all of their teeth and a partial for those who have lost a few teeth in a row.

Though eventually, dentures will need replacing, they can last nearly a decade or more with proper care. Most people want to make their dentures last as long as possible. Therefore, this article discusses some key ways to get the most out of your dentures.

Tips for giving your dentures a long life

While there are no 100% guarantees with anything, people who apply the following tips tend to keep their dentures working for longer. Let us take a closer look at these tips and why it is important to follow them.

Go to a trusted dentist

Be sure to go to a trusted dentist with experience making customized dentures for patients. The dentist should use high-quality materials or work with a reputable dental lab that does. It may be tempting to go for less expensive dentures. However, lower-quality denture work will not last as long, cause more problems, and will likely need to be replaced or repaired more frequently. In addition, lower-cost dentures may not allow for unique customization.

Handle dentures carefully.

Keeping your dentures in a designated case while they are not being worn is an important practice for preserving the integrity of dentures. In addition, when taking dentures out for cleaning, do so over a soft surface to avoid damaging the dentures if dropped. We strongly recommend patients use both hands when removing dentures because using only one hand can increase uneven wear. Finally, do not soak dentures in hot water, which can warp them.

Be careful while chewing

Just as with natural teeth, do not chew hard items such as pens, hard candy, or ice. When eating, especially initially, cut foods into smaller, more manageable pieces. Avoid gooey or sticky foods than can pull dentures out of place. Do not chew gum with dentures.

Keep dentures clean

Regular cleaning of dentures is crucial. It is important to clean dentures after every meal. However, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild soap, or a special denture cleaner. Do not use regular toothpaste as it is too abrasive and will damage dentures. Do not use toothpicks to clear items caught in your dentures. It is crucial to only use cleaning tools designed for denture care. Avoiding an overabundance of staining food and drinks such as red wine or coffee is also wise.

Keep dentures moist

Dentures are porous and will become brittle if allowed to dry out. Not only will this make the dentures uncomfortable, but also it will make them more likely to break.

Remove at night

It may be tempting to wear dentures to bed, but taking them out every night is important. Soak the dentures in water that is not too hot or a denture-soaking solution.

Visit the dentists

Even if you have dentures instead of natural teeth, you should still visit the dentist. Those who wear dentures should see the dentist at least twice a year. The dentist can check the fit of the dentures and check for cracks or other damage.