Denture Care Tips to Extend the Life of Your Smile

Congratulations on restoring your smile with a complete or partial denture! Now it’s time to protect your investment and keep your replacement teeth looking and functioning their best. Our experienced prosthodontist and team at Parker Prosthodontics have put together these simple care tips to help ensure your dentures maintain their fit, comfort, and function for many years to come.

Clean Your Dentures Every Day

Just as with your natural teeth, plaque, bacteria, and food debris can build up on your dentures over time, increasing your risk of irritation, unpleasant odors, and oral health concerns. Daily cleaning can help keep your replacement teeth looking their best and protect your smile.

The following are care tips for your new restorations:

• Remove your dentures after meals and rinse them under running water whenever possible.
• Use a soft-bristled denture brush and mild soap or denture cleanser to clean your dentures. Avoid regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive and will scratch the surfaces of your dentures over time.
• Brush gently. Scrubbing too hard can wear down the finish of your dentures and may distort their fit over time.
• Make sure to clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth before putting your dentures back in.

Remember never to soak or rinse your dentures in hot water. Heat can warp the material and affect the way they fit.

Handle Your Dentures with Care

Dentures are durable, but they’re not indestructible. A single drop onto a hard bathroom floor can crack or chip the acrylic. When you’re cleaning your dentures, stand over a folded towel or a sink filled with a few inches of water. This simple tip can help avoid costly repairs.

Soak Your Dentures Overnight

It’s important to keep your dentures moist so they maintain their shape and don’t warp. That’s why it’s important to soak them every night in a denture-soaking solution or even just plain water. If your dentures have metal clasps, check with our team beforehand, because some soaking solutions can tarnish certain types of metal. And don’t forget to rinse your dentures with lukewarm water before putting them back in your mouth!

Avoid DIY Denture Adjustments or Repair

When you lose one or more of your teeth, your jawbone and gums naturally begin to resorb and change in shape, which can affect how your dentures fit. Dentures that fit just right just a few months ago may start to feel loose or cause irritation. Moreover, life happens, and a drop may damage your dentures. It’s important to avoid making adjustments or repairs to your dentures at home. If the fit feels off or if your dentures are damaged, contact our office. Periodic relining, rebasing, or repairs can restore a comfortable fit and maintain proper function.

Keep Up with Professional Dental Visits

Routine dental exams and cleanings are just as important for dentures as they are for natural teeth. Our prosthodontist will assess the condition of your dentures, examine your gum tissue, and screen for any concerns. With proper care, your dentures can enhance your smile for 5-10 years or even longer.

Never Use Denture Adhesives as a Solution for Ill-Fitting Dentures

Adhesives can provide additional security, especially for lower dentures. However, you should never use them to hold ill-fitting dentures in place, which can leave you with soreness and discomfort rather than addressing your concerns. If you find yourself relying on adhesives to get through the day, that’s a sign your dentures may need attention. Our team will make any needed adjustments to restore a comfortable fit. Adhesives are a supplement, not a substitute for a proper fit.

Dentures and Partials Near Me in Dallas, TX

Contact Parker Prosthodontics to learn more about restoring your smile with complete or partial dentures or to schedule an evaluation of your current dentures. Our experienced prosthodontist and team will discuss your options, answer your questions, and help you determine the ideal denture solution for your unique needs and preferences. We are also happy to offer personalized tips to ensure your replacement teeth continue to enhance your smile for many years to come.

Call 214-550-1945 to schedule your appointment or request one online today. We look forward to caring for all your dental health needs.