When you get your smile back after replacing missing teeth with dentures, you want them to last as long as they possibly can. Starting with a good-fitting, natural-looking denture to improve your smile is an important investment in your oral health. However, it’s equally important to follow these tips to ensure your dentures last longer.
1. Clean Your Dentures Properly
Keeping your dentures clean and bacteria-free is important for your oral health, but it will also make them last longer too. They should be rinsed regularly with cold water (avoid using hot water), particularly after eating. Rinsing your mouth thoroughly after meals is also a good idea.
When you’re ready to clean them, you’ll want to avoid setting them on the hard counter. Put them on a soft towel instead to prevent any chips or risks of cracking. Use the denture-cleaning solutions your dentist recommended since regular toothpaste can be too abrasive.
2. Soak Your Dentures as Instructed
You will want to soak your dentures as instructed by your dentist, as well. Soaking helps prevent the materials from drying out. If they dry out, they are more likely to crack. Soaking also makes them more comfortable to wear.
3. Use Both Hands to Remove Your Dentures
Pay attention to how you insert and remove your dentures. If you pull your dentures out from one side, they can, over time, start to lose their ideal shape. It can also make them wear down on one side more than the other.
That’s why it’s best to take them out using both hands to keep them in good shape. It seems minor but can make a big difference in how long your dentures last.
4. Don’t Chew on Hard Things
Do you have nervous chewing habits? To make your dentures last, listen to the voice of your mother, and don’t put that in your mouth. Don’t chew on pencils, pen caps, or other hard items that can cause them to wear down faster. That’s also a good rule for your natural teeth!
5. Use a Plastic Case
Whenever you remove your dentures, consider storing them in a plastic case. The plastic enclosure will protect them from falling and chipping, cracking, or breaking. And you’ll always know precisely where they are when you’re ready to put them back in and restore your smile.
Call Us Today!
The professional staff at Aesthetic Dental Partners are passionate about helping you keep your smile bright. If you need broken or damaged teeth replaced or have any other oral health issues, we’re happy to help. We’ll answer all your oral health questions, including those regarding dentures, and work hard to make sure you are happy with your smile! Call our office today for an appointment.
