For patients with missing teeth, dentures can be an easy way to restore oral function and improve your smile’s appearance. Dentures can replace several teeth, similar to a dental bridge, or a full arch of teeth. Prosthetic teeth attach to an acrylic base, and in the case of partial dentures, they are held in place to surrounding teeth with a metal framework. Dentures can last for up to five years, so it is important to take care of these fixtures for optimal effectiveness. Dr. Keith Boenning, a dentist in Towson, MD, offers tips for maintaining your dentures.
Maintain oral hygiene
To take care of your natural teeth, you keep a proper oral hygiene routine. You will want to do the same when you wear dentures. Dentures can gather bacteria from plaque that develops on the rest of your mouth. Keeping your mouth clean will leave your teeth and gums healthy and maintain a strong foundation for your dentures.
Good oral hygiene entails brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. For best results, flossing is done at night to remove plaque that forms throughout the day. Mouthwash can eliminate bacteria from hard-to-reach places in the mouth. Maintaining these good habits will ensure a continuous good fit for your dentures.
Rinse and soak
Dentures require cleaning and maintenance of their own, separate from the rest of your mouth. They can be worn most of the day, but when not in use, such as while sleeping, dentures should be soaked in a cleaning solution. Dentures can alter their shape if left to dry out. You can wear dentures while eating, but they should be rinsed thoroughly after doing so. This will get rid of particles that may have been trapped in the device. Avoid rinsing with hot water because high temperatures can warp the material and ruin the fit of your dentures.
Visit your dentist regularly
Regular dental check-ups can ensure your mouth continues to be a stable environment to support your dentures. Your dentist will clean residual plaque and tartar from your remaining teeth and identify potential dental problems that could affect the fit of your dentures.
As you age, your facial structure and shape can change, which can lead to your dentures not fitting properly anymore. Regular correspondence with your dentist can ensure your dentures are still an effective tooth replacement solution for you. Your dentist can also create replacement dentures if necessary.
Dentures and restorative care in Towson, MD
Boenning & Dancykier Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry provides dentures and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Towson, MD. Dr. Boenning also specializes in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 410.324.2294.