Proper care of your prosthetic devices is essential for maintaining oral health and comfort. At Dental Excellence of Blue Bell, Dr. Kenneth Siegel and his team offer a range of high-quality options, including traditional and implant-supported models like snap-in dentures. Whether you’ve recently received them or have been using them for years, following a consistent care routine ensures they last longer and function effectively. In this article, we’ll cover how to properly care for your dentures and the best practices for keeping them clean and comfortable.

Types of Dentures

At Dental Excellence of Blue Bell, we provide two primary types of dentures:

Full & Partials

Traditional removable prosthetics are designed to replace missing teeth, resting on your gums. They restore your smile and allow you to eat and speak comfortably, but require daily removal for cleaning and proper storage to keep them functional.

Snap-In Dentures

These implant-supported dentures are a more secure choice, anchored to dental implants for added stability. They “snap” into place on the implants, making them less likely to shift while eating or speaking. Offering greater comfort and function than traditional types, snap-in models still require specific care to maintain their performance and longevity.

No matter which type of dentures you have, the following care tips ensure they remain in optimal condition.

Daily Denture Cleaning Routine

Cleaning your prosthetic teeth daily is crucial for removing plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Follow these steps to keep them clean and fresh:

For Traditional Dentures

  1. Remove Your Dentures: Take out your dentures after meals and before bed to give your mouth, gums, and jawbone time to rest.
  2. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your dentures under lukewarm water to remove loose debris.
  3. Brush: Use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleanser to clean your prosthetic teeth at least twice a day. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too harsh and cause tiny scratches that may harbor bacteria. Additionally, rinse them after eating.
  4. Soak Overnight: Place your prosthetic teeth in a mild soaking solution overnight to keep them moist and disinfected, helping to maintain their shape and prevent drying out. When you’re not wearing them, soak them in water and use denture cleaner at least once a week.

For Snap-In Dentures

While these implant-supported dentures are more secure, they still need regular cleaning:

  1. Remove and Clean Daily: Snap-in dentures should be removed daily to clean the implant attachments.
  2. Brush Carefully: Use a soft toothbrush and avoid abrasive cleaning products. Pay special attention to the implant sites to prevent infection.
  3. Soak as Needed: While not always necessary, you can soak your implant-supported dentures occasionally using a recommended denture solution. Consult Dr. Siegel for specific advice based on your case.

Handling Dentures Safely

Whether traditional or snap-in, dentures are delicate and can break if dropped. To avoid damage:

  • Handle with Care: When removing or cleaning your dentures, stand over a soft surface like a towel or fill the sink with water to cushion a potential drop.
  • Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Never use harsh cleaning products like bleach or abrasive toothpaste, as these can scratch or damage the surface of your dentures.

Caring for Your Mouth

Even though dentures replace natural teeth, caring for your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth is essential to maintain good oral health.

  1. Brush Other Teeth & Gums: Brush your remaining teeth and gums to keep them healthy, and if you wear an upper denture, gently clean the roof of your mouth. Use a soft toothbrush or washcloth to clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth to stimulate circulation, remove plaque, and help prevent gum irritation.
  2. Clean Around Implants: For patients with snap-in dentures, ensure you clean around the implant posts thoroughly to prevent infection and plaque buildup. An antimicrobial mouthwash may also help keep your mouth clean.

Common Issues and How to Prevent Them

Even with proper care, denture wearers may encounter some common issues. Here are tips on how to avoid them:

Ill-Fitting Dentures

Over time, your mouth changes, which may cause your prosthetic teeth to become loose. If you notice them shifting or feeling uncomfortable, schedule an appointment with Dr. Siegel for an adjustment. Regular check-ups help ensure a snug fit and prevent sores or irritation.

Bad Breath and Infection

Failing to properly clean your prosthetic teeth and mouth can lead to bad breath or infections like oral thrush. Follow your daily cleaning routine diligently, and soak them overnight to keep them bacteria-free.

Staining

Prosthetic teeth can stain over time, especially from foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. Avoid smoking and minimize the consumption of these staining substances. Clean them regularly to prevent surface discoloration, and visit your dentist for professional cleanings as needed.

Regular Check-Ups with Dental Excellence of Blue Bell

Routine dental check-ups are essential for all prosthetic teeth wearers. At Dental Excellence of Blue Bell, we recommend regular visits to ensure they fit correctly, remain comfortable, and function as intended. Dr. Siegel will also check your oral health, looking for signs of gum disease or other issues that could affect the fit or your overall well-being.

During your visit, Dr. Siegel can also provide additional cleaning tips or adjustments to help extend the life of your dentures. If you have any questions about your dentures or if they need repairs, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Keep Your Smile Bright: Denture Care for Long-Lasting Comfort

Proper care is key to maintaining oral health and denture longevity. By following a daily cleaning routine, handling your dentures carefully, and attending regular check-ups at Dental Excellence of Blue Bell, you can enjoy a healthy, comfortable smile for years to come. If you ever have concerns or questions about your dentures, Dr. Siegel and his team are here to help. Use our online contact form to schedule your next appointment and ensure your dentures are well cared for.

For more personalized care tips or to learn more about our denture options, visit our Dentures and Snap-In Dentures pages or call us at (610) 272-0828.