More than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth, with 120 million missing at least one tooth. Dentures are a great way to restore the form and function of your teeth.
Once you have dentures, though, you need to make sure that you maintain them properly. If you don’t take care of your dentures, you could suffer from irritation or oral diseases.
So, read on to learn more about dentures and how to take care of them.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are one of a few vital treatments that can replace missing teeth. You can use dentures to replace all your teeth or only a few.
A denture is a prosthetic device made to replace missing teeth. They stay on your mouth by the surrounding hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity.
In the past, dentures would be porcelain or plastic, but we now use artificial teeth made up of hard resin. Dentures made with resin are more fragile, but they look and feel more realistic.
Why Do You Need Them?
Missing or rotten teeth can cause plenty of health problems while chewing and talking. It can spread to the rest of the body, which is why people have rotten teeth removed and missing teeth replaced. With dentures, you can improve the function of your mouth and enhance how you speak and eat.
Not only will they improve the appearance of your smile, but they will also keep the structure of your mouth. It will act as support for the structures around your cheeks and lips. This prevents side effects that can happen to your facial feature like sagging cheeks.
You no longer have to deal with oral health issues and severe pain from rotted roots or damaged teeth, too. Although they are synthetic, you can boost your self-confidence with a beautiful smile. This makes them a great option if you’re having problems with cavities, facial injury, and gum disease.
Types of Dentures
You could end up with all kinds of problems with the wrong dentures, and you can learn more about it at Casco Bay Smiles dentures. These are the main types of dentures.
- Traditional/conventional
- Partial
- Custom
- Snap-in
- Overdentures
- Upper
- Economy
Traditional dentures involve having to replace all your teeth. Once they’ve placed the dentures within 8 to 12 weeks, these dentures sit on top of your gums.
Partial dentures affix to existing teeth, and you can remove them whenever you need to. This type of denture is perfect for those with one or two remaining teeth. They help prevent the other teeth from moving, which prevents future dental issues.
Custom dentures are the most expensive dentures, but you get a more natural-looking smile. They customize the dentures to fit your smile, mouth, and preferences.
The snap-in denture is the most practical choice if you want stability. This type of denture hold in place with the help of dental anchors or implants onto your existing teeth. Snap-in dentures are great for those with no teeth but have enough bone to support an implant.
Overdentures only sit on top of your gums and are removable. Depending on your needs, this type of denture can support your existing teeth.
Upper dentures are ideal for those with missing teeth on the upper jaw. The economy denture is the most cost-efficient type of denture. They are usually a last resort fake teeth with a loose fit, unnatural, and fake-looking teeth.
How to Maintain Your False Teeth
Knowing how to take care of your dentures is essential for your dentures and mouth’s health. It helps with the longevity and comfort of the dentures. Here are some essential tips you need for denture care.
Clean Your Dentures Often
Having a daily cleaning routine for your dentures is key to having good oral hygiene. Make sure to rinse your dentures every after meals. Brush them at least once a day with a denture cleanser, liquid hand soap, or mild dish soap to remove dirt off of your fake teeth.
Be sure to remove your dentures before you go to sleep. Let them soak in a mild denture-soaking solution or water for the entire night. Soaking your dentures will help keep it moist and keep it in shape.
Leaving them out in open air at night dries them out too much. This will make them uncomfortable to slip into your mouth. It also compromises their durability as it makes them more susceptible to cracks and such.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Be sure always to brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Spend at least a minute to clean your teeth, gums, and dentures. Make sure to choose foods that are denture-friendly.
Store Them in the Right Place
Taking care of your dentures doesn’t end with cleaning; you should also store them. Don’t keep your dentures on a piece of tissue or under the sunlight.
Make sure always to place your dentures in a cup of water. Dentures need to keep moist, so they don’t dry out and lose shape.
Always Go For Checkups
Your dental checkups are essential to make sure your dentures are in top shape. Dentists will check whether the dentures are still stable and in good condition.
They can also clean your remaining teeth. They give professional treatment for your gums and mouth. This prevents teeth decay and oral diseases.
Know What to Avoid
Be sure to stay from hot water when cleaning your dentures. Hot water could cause your dentures to warp, making them unable to fit in your mouth.
Avoid cleaning your dentures with abrasive materials, including stiff-bristled brushes and strong cleansers.
Don’t use any bleaching products and whitening toothpaste. They can change the color of your fake teeth and tarnish any metal on your denture.
Denture Care 101
Remember that taking care of the health of your dentures can prolong its longevity. Make sure to take care of your fake teeth daily to ensure that it stays in its best condition.
Do you want to know more about false teeth care? There’s more to learn in maintaining your dentures. Check out more of our blogs to learn all you can learn today!
