Your dentures have given you a great-looking smile that has boosted your confidence, and you’ve never felt better. But how long will they last? Dentures typically have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, but there are many ways to help them last much longer than that! If you are caring for dentures in Silver Lake, keep reading to find out what you can do to keep them comfortable and functional for many years to come.
Clean Them Every Day
They may not be your natural teeth, but your dentures need to be cleaned just as frequently. Poor denture care can lead to gum irritation or even infection, so it’s important to keep these points in mind when cleaning them each day:
- Be very careful when handling your dentures. They are very fragile and can easily break if dropped. It’s best to clean them over a soft, folded towel in case they slip out of your hands.
- Clean all surfaces of your dentures using a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft denture brush each night before soaking them.
- Once you’ve brushed away the plaque, bacteria and food from the day, soak them using denture cleansing solution and room-temperature water (hot water can damage them and cause warping).
- The chemicals in your denture cleansing solution can induce vomiting or cause a burning sensation if swallowed. So, after soaking them, remember to rinse them thoroughly before placing your dentures back into your mouth.
Remove Them Every Night
Your dentures can handle all of your chewing needs, but just like your gums, they need a rest. Taking them out each night gives your dentures time to soak and be deep cleaned, but it also gives your gums time to recover from the stress caused by your appliance.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist on a regular basis will allow them to examine your gums, natural teeth (if any) and dentures to ensure your mouth is healthy and your appliance is fitting properly. When fitted well, your top denture should smoothly suction to your gums. Your bottom denture should float above your gums, but it should also stay in place with minimal to no effort. Partials should fall perfectly in line with your natural teeth without moving. If you notice they aren’t fitting properly or they’re moving a bit more than usual, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. If you don’t, over time, your dentures can wear down your gums and jawbones, causing them to deteriorate and shift. Another risk that comes with ill-fitting dentures is the development of gum disease.
If you wear dentures to replace your missing teeth in Silver Lake, proper dental care and keeping your mouth healthy is the perfect formula for extending the life of your smile. Following these tips will also prevent you from having to replace your appliance sooner rather than later.
About the Practice
Dr. Michael Michel is dedicated to providing every member of your family with personalized, comprehensive dental care. A current member of the American Dental Association and the Kansas Dental Association, he has been transforming smiles for more than 40 years. Dr. Michel offers his patients advanced oral health services that include tooth implants, traditional dentures and implanted dentures. For more information on these treatments, visit the website or contact the office at (785) 582-0185 to schedule an appointment.