Dentures Care
Your dentures should be cleaned everyday, just as your natural teeth would be. Bacteria and plaque can build up on them just as they would on your natural teeth, and this can be harmful to any remaining teeth as well as your gums.
To properly clean your dentures, remove them from your mouth and run them under clean water. This will help remove any food particles that could linger. Then, use a soft brush and denture cleaner or a mild soap to clean the dentures. Do not use a regular toothpaste or electric toothbrush as this can be too abrasive and damage the dentures. Rinse your dentures well after cleaning and before placing them back in your mouth.
While your dentures are out, it is important to properly brush and clean any remaining teeth as well as your gums before placing the dentures back in.
Dentures should be removed when sleeping. Place them in warm, clean water overnight. This will ensure they do not become damaged or dislodged in the night, as well as provide an opportunity for your gums to rest a bit.
Dentures Types
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The cost of dentures varies, based on several key details. The cost of dentures will vary, based on the issues unique to your mouth, the types of material used, whether you need partial or full dentures, the location and skill of your dentist, and whether you have dental insurance. Dentures can cost anywhere between $500 for a single denture, up to $8,000 for a full set.
This answer is unique to every patient. Before undergoing any procedure, it is important to understand what your insurance may cover. Some insurance plans may cover very little for restorative dental work, while others may cover a bit more. Some patients may require dentures for not just their oral health, but for their overall health, as well, and may be able to get a portion of their denture cost covered by their medical insurance. A financial coordinator will be able to help you navigate your insurance plan and ensure you get the full benefits available to you.
Custom dentures are typically fit for your mouth about three to six months after your teeth are extracted. This is to ensure your gum tissue has plenty of time to heal, ensuring the dentures will fit properly in your mouth.
Dentures can change the appearance of your face. Dentures are intended to fill in your natural smile, so wearing dentures will restore your face to its natural proportions.
While there is no average age for patients to get dentures, they are fairly common in patients over the age of 40. The majority of denture wearers are over the age of 65, however adult patients can benefit from dentures if they have missing teeth or require extractions, no matter their age.
There are several different types of dentures to choose from.
The first step to getting your custom dentures is to have a plaster model made of your mouth, using impressions taken by your dentist. This model is then placed in an articulator that represents the jaw, and the teeth are attached with wax. The wax is then carved and shaped to match your gums. The dentures are then placed in what is known as a flask, where plaster is poured in to ensure the dentures hold their shape. Then, the dentures will be placed in boiling water to melt away the wax. Once the wax is washed away, acrylic is injected to replace the wax. Once the acrylic has cured, the plaster will be removed, and the dentures will be cleaned, trimmed and polished.
Once your dentures are ready, your dentist will place them in your mouth to be sure it fits properly. Your dentist will be checking to ensure the fit is comfortable for you, but also ensuring your bite lines up correctly, your mouth closes properly and your lips fit together naturally. Then, after this appointment, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments and you will receive your dentures at your next appointment. Your dentist will most likely have you come back over the next few weeks or months to ensure the dentures are still fit properly.
For most patients, dentures should be relined everyone to two years. Relining will not change the appearance of your dentures, but will ensure that they continue to still fit properly with your changing gumline to ensure their remain comfortable to wear.
Most dentures will need to be replaced every three to eight years. The frequency at which yours will need to be replaced are dependent on factors unique to you, such as how well you care for them, if a change in fit has occurred, if your dentures have become chipped or broken, if the denture base has become damaged, if staining has occurred. Maintain regular visits with your dentist to ensure your dentures are strong and functioning properly.
It is common to feel a bit of irritation when you first begin wearing your dentures. Your gums will feel sensitive, and it will take your tongue and the inside of your cheeks awhile to adjust, as well. This irritation should subside in a few weeks, but in the meantime you can gargle with warm saltwater or take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If the irritation or pain lasts, schedule an appointment with your dentist to check for a proper fit.
For removable dentures, remove them and rinse them after eating to remove any leftover food debris, then clean your mouth before placing the dentures back. Brush your dentures at least once a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner or toothpaste. Soak your dentures overnight, then rinse thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth.
For all dentures, avoid abrasive cleaning materials, whitening toothpastes, and anything with bleach. These products can damage your dentures.
While what option is best is unique for each patient, it is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks to both. Implant supported dentures can offer some valuable advantages. First, they look and function just as natural teeth. They are designed to be long-lasting, and because implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they offer increased stability. Discuss these advantages, as well as your smile goals, with your dentist.
