Immediate Dentures – Should you require tooth extraction prior to being fitted for dentures, immediate dentures are used while your gums heal. You’re able to wear them immediately and throughout the healing process until your mouth is ready to be fitted for complete dentures.
Full Dentures – Also called “complete dentures,” you likely visualize these when you hear the word dentures. Used when all of your natural teeth are missing, the denture supports a full arch of replacement teeth. For cleaning, they’re removable as they’re secured by suction.
How To Care For Your Dentures
To keep them clean, free from stains, and looking just like your natural teeth, your complete or partial dentures do require thorough, regular, and proper care. Cleaning also prevents plaque buildup which can cause tartar deposits, bad breath, decay of remaining teeth, gum disease, and more.
Denture Cleaning Routine:
- Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Rinse with water to remove food particles. Handle them carefully to ensure you don't bend or damage the plastic or the clasps when cleaning.
- Brush your dentures with a denture brush or soft-bristle toothbrush using a denture cleaner or mild soap. Regular toothpaste is too abrasive, so avoid using it on your dentures. With a light touch, be sure to get under the clasps. Rinse with clear water.
- Before placing dentures back in your mouth, clean your mouth to remove plaque (that builds up on all surfaces) and massage your gums. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your gums, tongue, cheeks, palate, and any teeth that you may have. Floss between your natural teeth too.
- Overnight, remove and gently clean your dentures as above, then soak them in warm water. When your dentures are made, we’ll talk with you about if and when to use an over-night denture cleanser.Tip: Whenever you are not wearing your denture, always soak them in water to prevent the plastic from drying out or warping.
- In the morning, rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution.
As careful as you may be with your dentures, damage may happen – broken clasps, cracks, etc. – and they will need to be repaired. Just call us at (334) 366-8472.
Dentures will also need what we call “relines.” Because your gums and bones are always changing, your dentures will need to be adjusted to ensure they always fit properly for optimal function and aesthetics. As your dentist in Hartford, we’ll help you determine the best schedule for your smile. We’ll also schedule a professional dentures exam and professional cleaning.
And remember, even if you wear complete dentures, you always need to come for your regular six-month (minimum) exam and hygiene visit so that we can continue to monitor for signs of disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, or infection.
Because dentures restore your smile and your confidence, we hope you’ll talk to us about your needs, because at Hartford Family Dentistry, we can help!
