Denture Care

 Complete and Partial Denture Care

Following the delivery of new dentures, there is a variable period of time (generally two to six weeks) of adjustment.

New dentures often feel bulky and awkward at first. Soft tissues of the  mouth are now covered that may have been open or left uncovered by a  previous denture. This strangeness, although bothersome, is a temporary  problem that is usually resolved during the adjustment period.

The ability to function with complete dentures involves learned  neuromuscular skills that take time to develop. Although the time  required may vary and depend upon such factors as the quality of the  remaining ridges, all new denture wearers will require this adjustment  period.

The new artificial teeth may be placed in slightly different  relationships and the plastic denture base may feel bulky. speech  patterns are often temporarily interrupted. The muscles of the tongue,  lips, and cheek must learn to coordinate movement to allow for normal  speech. The learning process can be enhanced by practice. Reading aloud  is one way to minimize the time required to recover normal speech  patterns. Continued difficulty should be brought to our attention.

Saliva:

A normal response of the body to new dentures is increased salivary flow.

Eating:

Again, it will take practice to learn to eat a fairly normal diet with  new dentures. During the first several days, we recommend a soft diet to  allow us to eliminate potential sore spots with minimum discomfort and  to make the learning period more tolerable. Avoid tough, hard, and  sticky foods until you become more experienced. Although some  experienced denture patients can eat a normal diet, including apples,  salads and corn on the cob, this is probably the exception to the rule.  Most denture wearers will find some restrictions in the foods they can  manage.

Some Points to Remember Regarding Eating and Chewing Habits:      

Eat slowly and cut food into small pieces.

Although the normal tendency is to chew on one side  or the other, denture wearers may function better by chewing on both  sides at the same time. (This helps prevent tipping of the dentures)

Avoid, when possible, bringing the lower front teeth  forward against the upper front teeth to cut or incise foods. (This  protects the upper front ridge and prevents denture tipping)

If it is necessary to bite using the front teeth,  try spreading the tongue against the back of the upper denture to keep  it in place.

Try chewing vertically (up and down) rather than horizontally (side to side)

Sore Spots:

New dentures or recently relined dentures almost always cause some sore  spots to develop. We recommend eating soft foods until the initial sore  spots are eliminated. The best home treatment between appointments is to  rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon to 8oz. Glass of warm water).

Wearing Dentures at Night:

 There is no question that the healthiest policy is to remove dentures  for at least six hours daily to allow the soft tissues to breathe and  recover. For most patients, the most convenient time is at night or  during sleep. While out of the mouth, they should be soaked in either  water or denture cleaning solution. Such a practice will maintain much  healthier oral tissues, preserve the ridges and underlying bone, and  allow the denture to fit properly.

Cleaning:

Any of the commercial denture cleaners can be used. You may purchase one  of the best denture cleaners on the market at our office. Dentures  should be thoroughly cleaned daily with a denture brush, soft bristle  tooth brush or cleaner. It is the meticulous brushing that is most  effective in removing bacterial plaque and staining. Do not use  toothpaste as it is too abrasive and will scratch the denture.

Caring for the oral tissues is also important. A soft toothbrush or wash  cloth should be used to scrub the tongue, gums, and roof of the mouth.  Warm salt water rinses in the morning and evening are also recommended.

 Do not use hot water to soak the denture in since it may result in  warping. Such changes may also result from the denture being exposed to  dry air for long periods.

Adjustments and Repairs:

We will provide whatever adjustments necessary for the life of the denture.

Longevity:

No dentures are meant to last forever. Generally, six to eight years is  the average life span of a well-made prosthesis. The dentures may  require a reline every two to five years to maintain an ideal fit.

Partial Dentures:

Partial denture patients may follow many of the same guidelines outlined above.

Additional points include the following:      

Do not use Clorox (bleach) based cleaner

Do not bite the appliance into place (this may loosen and break the clasps and teeth)

Avoid biting against upper front artificial teeth as they may break rather easily.

Immediate Dentures:

If dentures are delivered the day the teeth are removed, remember to leave the denture in place during the first 24 hours.

Sure Fit Dentures are top quality dentures and one of the most affordable dentures in Louisville, Ky.

Please DO NOT HESITATE to call us with any questions or concerns you may have at 

502-448-5050.