Taking the step to getting dentures, whether they are brand new or replacements, can be challenging. It’s a delicate process that requires getting used to new habits like talking and eating. At Mermaid Smiles we ensure all our dentures are perfectly customised to each patients mouth to guarantee a smooth process of getting used to them. After receiving you’re your replacement teeth, it’s important that they’re cared for correctly to prolong the life of the appliance as well as maintain good oral health, which is why we’re breaking down how to properly care for them.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They only get removed at night when sleeping to give your gums a rest from having them attached throughout the day. Dentures are carefully designed to look natural in your mouth, so even if you are missing teeth no one would be able to tell. To ensure that they look natural they are made from a variety of materials including:
- Nylon
- Porcelain
- Acrylic
- Resin
- Metal
There are two main types, complete and partial dentures.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are exactly what they sound like, they make up an entire upper or lower side of the mouth instead of just a small section. These types of dentures come in two varieties, ‘immediate’ or ‘conventional’. Conventional is where the mould is taken of the mouth immediately after removal and they are created over an 8 – 12-week period. Immediate are the opposite, the mouth is analysed prior to the tooth removal and created so that they can be placed straight after removal has occurred.
Immediate are generally the more favourable option so patients don’t have to go without teeth for an extended period. Immediate dentures however are required to have more adjustments made as during the healing process after having teeth removed, bones and gums do shrink which can affect how the dentures sit in the mouth.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are smaller and are used when there are still natural teeth and only a few need to be replaced. These are attached to a gum-coloured, plastic base so they just slide into place seamlessly without people ever knowing they aren’t natural. Partial dentures aren’t only great at replacing missing teeth but also help prevent the remaining natural teeth from changing position in the mouth due to surrounding teeth no longer being able to keep them in place.
Do Dentures Look Natural?
At Mermaid Smiles we work closely with Dentures at Varsity and our patients to guarantee natural-looking dentures for your smile. We ensure that it’s perfect fit for your unique smile and that you’re comfortable whether you only have a replacement made for a couple of missing teeth to having most of your teeth replaced. Dentures at Varsity also help you through the entire process, allowing you to choose the tooth size, shape, and colour of your preference. So, now that you’ve got your brand-new appliance, it’s important to learn the best ways to take care of it.
1. Remove and Rinse After eating
A simple way to keep your dentures clean along with maintaining great oral health is rinsing them after eating. By simply rinsing your them underneath running water after eating a meal it helps remove food debris and other loose particles that can become trapped between the dentures and your gum.
2. Handle with Care
Although not super flimsy, they can be broken easily so it’s important that you don’t drop them and that you always place them down carefully. When cleaning be aware of how you’re holding them so you can be sure not to bend or damage the plastic or clasps whilst cleaning. If you’re worried about the dentures slipping out of your grip and possibly breaking during the cleaning process, you can place a towel beneath them in the sink or fill the sink up with water to prevent any hard impact.
3. Clean Your Mouth Thoroughly Once Removing
Just because you may not have some of your natural teeth it’s important you can forget about your oral hygiene. It’s important that once removed for the day you use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently clean your natural teeth, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. This will help prevent your natural teeth from decaying while also preventing gum disease.
4. Brush Your Appliance Daily
Although the appliance isn’t technically real teeth, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to be brushed daily as well! All you need to do is remove your dentures at the end of the day and brush them gently with a soft-bristled brush followed by letting them soak overnight. You should also use a nonabrasive cleanser to effectively remove food, plaque, and any other deposits from the day. If you use adhesive throughout the day, make sure you clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any excess adhesive. It’s important to remember to not use any type of cleanser inside your mouth.
5. Soak Them Overnight
Most dentures require being constantly moist to help maintain their shape. Overnight you should place your dentures in water or a special mild denture-soaking solution, depending on your dentist’s recommendation.
6. Schedule Routine Check-ups
Although they aren’t real teeth, they still require regular checks from your dentist. Your dentist will let you know how often you’ll be required to have a check-up as it’s dependant on your specific needs. During your check-up, your dentist will examine the dentures to ensure that are exactly as they should be while also cleaning them professionally. This check will allow the dentist to adjust them if necessary as well as ensure your mouth is healthy. If you’re having any issues with your appliance before your scheduled appointment, it’s important to get them checked by your dentist so they can adjust them for you.
For more information about our denture service here at Mermaid Smiles, you can reach out to our team today or find out more by clicking here.
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