Discover essential tips for maintaining your dentures effectively. This guide covers cleaning routines, regular checkups, and tips to extend durability, ensuring your prosthetics stay comfortable and functional for years. Proper care can enhance your oral health and save costs over time.
Simple strategies for maintaining your dentures
Dentures are custom-made prosthetics that restore missing teeth, often crafted from ceramic to mimic natural teeth. Unlike implants, they are removable, offering a versatile solution for tooth replacement.
Based on your oral health, dentists recommend either full or partial dentures. Complete dentures replace all teeth in an arch after extraction, with impressions taken to create a supportive acrylic base with ceramic teeth.
Partial dentures fill in spaces where some teeth are missing, serving as an alternative to bridges. Cost varies depending on materials and craftsmanship, with prices generally from $500 to $1500 for partials and $1000 to $3000 for full sets.
Proper upkeep extends the lifespan of dentures, which typically last 5-7 years. Here are straightforward tips for maintaining denture hygiene:
Regular cleaning
After meals, remove and rinse dentures carefully to prevent food buildup. Handle gently to avoid damage, as they are made from delicate materials.
Daily brushing
Remove dentures each day and clean with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner to remove plaque and residues without scratching.
Overnight soaking
Don't wear dentures overnight. Soak them in a mild cleaning solution overnight, then rinse thoroughly. Consult your dentist for suitable solutions to avoid chemical damage.
Visit your dental professional regularly
Routine dental visits ensure professional cleaning, fit checks, and adjustments to prevent discomfort or slippage. Finding a local dentist can support ongoing care or provide second opinions.
Additional tips to prolong denture life
Use a soft toothbrush, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive toothpaste.
Whitening toothpaste is ineffective on dentures, as peroxide does not work on ceramic surfaces.
Avoid hot water, as it can deform the denture structure.
(TAGS-Dentures, Denture Cost, Find A Dentist, Dental Care Tips)