Denture After Care
There is perhaps no other dental treatment/device that can cause as much misunderstanding and frustration both for patients and dentists. Dentures have been around for centuries and the technologies are very well established. I hope this short article can help our patients be prepared for and avoid the common pitfalls of denture use
New DenturesDentures usually require some adjustments. If there are any areas that feel painful/uncomfortable please call us to arrange for an appointment to review/adjust the denture
Dentures need to be reviewed regularly. Changes in the denture and oral tissues do occur over time and proper fit and support of the denture is necessary not only for your comfort but to help prevent injury to the remaining natural teeth and supporting structures.
What to expect
When speaking, the sound of certain words may seem strange at first. Sometimes the muscles of your tongue, cheeks and lips will dislodge your denture. You may have to practise keeping your denture in place with these same muscles
Your denture may initially seem bulky and may cause gagging sensation. Your tongue may feel crowded. However these sensations should gradually disappear as you become accustomed to them.
Some people find that initially there is more saliva when the dentures are new. This usually comes back to normal after a while.
Denture care
Thoroughly wash all surfaces of your denture daily with water and commercial cleansing agents available
Do not neglect your remaining natural teeth. They can be kept if you clean them thoroughly everyday.
Do not use stiff brushes and/or abrasive detergents - this will wear out the denture material and will not make it cleaner.
When you are not wearing your denture, immerse it in a bowl of cool water or cleansing agents.
Do not leave it dry or place in hot water - this will cause it to change shape.
Dos and don'ts of denture use
Dos
There is perhaps no other dental treatment/device that can cause as much misunderstanding and frustration both for patients and dentists. Dentures have been around for centuries and the technologies are very well established. I hope this short article can help our patients be prepared for and avoid the common pitfalls of denture use
New DenturesDentures usually require some adjustments. If there are any areas that feel painful/uncomfortable please call us to arrange for an appointment to review/adjust the denture
Dentures need to be reviewed regularly. Changes in the denture and oral tissues do occur over time and proper fit and support of the denture is necessary not only for your comfort but to help prevent injury to the remaining natural teeth and supporting structures.
What to expect
When speaking, the sound of certain words may seem strange at first. Sometimes the muscles of your tongue, cheeks and lips will dislodge your denture. You may have to practise keeping your denture in place with these same muscles
Your denture may initially seem bulky and may cause gagging sensation. Your tongue may feel crowded. However these sensations should gradually disappear as you become accustomed to them.
Some people find that initially there is more saliva when the dentures are new. This usually comes back to normal after a while.
Denture care
Thoroughly wash all surfaces of your denture daily with water and commercial cleansing agents available
Do not neglect your remaining natural teeth. They can be kept if you clean them thoroughly everyday.
Do not use stiff brushes and/or abrasive detergents - this will wear out the denture material and will not make it cleaner.
When you are not wearing your denture, immerse it in a bowl of cool water or cleansing agents.
Do not leave it dry or place in hot water - this will cause it to change shape.
Dos and don'ts of denture use
Dos
- Wear your your denture regularly to get used to it.
- Ideally rinse your denture and mouth after every meal
- Chew on both sides of your mouth to help maintain the balance of the denture and remaining teeth.
- wear your denture when you go to sleep - The gum tissues and underlying bone need to rest and need some air circulation. Wearing your denture continuously (even if you keep it very clean) can lead to fungus infections and speed up shrinkage of the bone.
- force your denture into position or bite down on it when putting the denture on. This may damage/break the denture.
- eat hard or sticky foods and liquid which are too hot.
- adjust or repair your denture yourself. If your denture does not fit or have been damaged, contact us at once. Do not throw away any parts if your denture is broken.