Getting dentures is like receiving a whole new smile. The removable method of replacing missing teeth and soft tissue in the mouth is quite common as people get older or if they have been subject to severe gum disease.
If you recently had dentures fitted or are considering this solution for your missing teeth, you may have questions about how to care for them once you have them.
What Are Dentures?
As mentioned, dentures are one of the options you can choose when replacing missing teeth or soft tissue in the mouth. You can have a complete set of dentures or partial dentures that replace individual teeth in the mouth.
We provide immediate dentures to be positioned in place on the same day, so that you don’t leave the surgery with unsightly gaps. You will need to wait between 8 and 12 weeks after your teeth have been removed to allow your gums to heal and transition to permanent dentures, as the soft tissue can change a lot during the healing process. This is a process we have vast experience in and can help remove the stress from your dental journey. We understand getting new dentures or having dentures for the first time can cause anxiety for many people. This is precisely the area we excel in, and we help thousands of people every year.
Implant Dentures
When you come to Bespoke for dentures, you have the option to consider Implant dentures, a set of dentures which attach to the mouth via implants positioned in the jaw. This is a surgical solution to getting a new smile, and by fixing the dentures through a lock/click method, you don’t have to worry about them slipping out of place when out and about in public. We also provide implant bar-supported dentures, which offer more strength and stability. If you are interested in this method, please call us to book an Implant Consultation.
Whether you choose to have acrylic, chrome, flexi or implant dentures, we will provide you with a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. You can expect dentures to last up to 15 years and longer with the proper care and attention. No matter which option you go for, you want to be sure to take care of your dentures in the right way to help them last longer.
How to Clean Dentures
It is essential to clean your dentures regularly. If you don’t, you will suffer severe side effects, including swelling, sores, bad breath and altered tastes. They can also become stained.
To clean your dentures, you need to remove them or unclick them from the implants completely, brush them and soak them in a cleaning solution.
Brushing Your Dentures
To brush your dentures, you will need to use a specially designed toothbrush and toothpaste developed for dentures. This is because the toothbrush and toothpaste you usually use for the rest of your mouth can be harmful and cause the material to wear away.
When you take your dentures out to brush them, it’s recommended that you put a flannel or something soft in the sink in case you drop them. Dropping them onto a hard surface like a sink can result in chipping or breaking the dentures.
Check your denture cleaner before putting them back in your mouth; some cleaners will require you to rinse the dentures with water before putting them back in.
Also, if you have complete dentures, don’t forget that your gums, the top of your mouth and tongue still need brushing as usual. You may benefit from a mouthwash rinse before replacing your dentures too.
How Often Should You Clean Dentures?
You should clean your dentures with toothpaste twice daily as you would your natural teeth. They can be soaked in water. However, most people like to use a denture cleanser to bathe them as this protects dentures from stains and plaque. Soaking them also allows a deeper clean so be sure to soak them at least once a day and rinse them after eating.
Night-time Wear & Storage
Dentures should be removed while you sleep. Removing them allows the gum tissue to rest and reduces the chance of any possible infections.
Your dentures should be stored in a closed container when not in use. Removing them while you sleep also gives you ample opportunity to soak your dentures in a cleaning solution to ensure they remain free from bacteria. This also gives you a safe and secure storage place while not wearing them.
Eating and Drinking with Dentures
Dentures are designed to be just like our normal teeth. You can eat and drink as you usually would. However, getting used to eating with the dentures will take a little while as they will feel different.
One of our biggest tips is to ensure you cut your food into bite-sized pieces before putting it into your mouth. Tugging on food can be more uncomfortable with dentures, and you may find yourself dislodging or damaging them if you try to separate a smaller bite from a larger piece. Make sure you chew using both sides of the mouth, too, as this will help reduce wear appearing on one side of the dentures.
After eating, it’s recommended that you remove the dentures to clean them and carry out a gentle mouth rinse. Tiny food particles can become trapped between your dentures and your gums, and in some instances, such as with meat or hard bread rolls, these can cause severe pain. By rinsing your dentures after eating, these small food particles will be dislodged.
Regular Dentist Visits
You must continue to visit your dentist regularly so they can check your oral health and that your dentures are still suitable for you.
Dentists don’t just look after teeth; they check your gums, tongue and the soft parts of your mouth, including your cheeks. They are on the lookout for any signs of infections, conditions and even oral cancer, so please continue to see your dentist every six months.
Ensure Your Dentures Fit Correctly
Your dentures will be fitted by an experienced dentist, who will ensure they feel comfortable and are placed correctly in your mouth when you get them. While dentures won’t change over time, the gums in your mouth can, so if you feel that your dentures aren’t right after a period of time, or you feel like something may have changed, consult your dentist as soon as possible.
Your dentist will check the fit of your dentures at your regular check-ups, but if that isn’t for another few months, you may need to make an additional appointment. If your dentures break or are causing severe pain, you can contact our emergency dentist in Manchester for an appointment at short notice.
What to Avoid When Looking After Dentures
You should avoid some things to increase the life expectancy of your dentures. This includes using hot or boiling water for rinsing or soaking your dentures, as it can cause them to warp.
You should avoid abrasive cleaning materials, including hard-bristled brushes and harsh toothpaste, as they can cause damage when cleaning your dentures. Bleach and teeth whitening treatments also cause damage or weaken dentures, so avoid these.
Dentures From Bespoke Dental & Implant Clinic
If you are considering replacing your missing teeth with dentures, we would be happy to help. As private dentists in Manchester, we have years of experience and are here to help you find the right solution for missing teeth and help others who haven’t found the right solution elsewhere. Get in touch with our team to find out how our implant dentures can give you a smile you love and leave you feeling more confident about your teeth.