Dentures are artificial teeth that are used to replace damaged natural teeth. Dentures may be fake, but they also need the same level of care you would give natural teeth to ensure that they will last for a very long time. This is necessary because even though you are wearing false teeth, you still need to take care of the health of your mouth and gums. Here are tips dentists can give denture-wearers:
How to Properly Care for Your Dentures
To ensure the longevity of your dentures, you should:
- Always clean your dentures especially after eating to remove food particles that may be stuck under your dentures
- Handle your dentures with utmost care. Do not drop them because no matter how durable they are, they can still break
- Make sure that you don’t bend the clasps or plastic of your dentures
- Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid using a whitening toothpaste or any toothpaste with bleach when brushing your dentures
- Keep them soaked in water overnight. Most dentures need to be moist when stored overnight. However, do consult with your dentist for any specific recommendations for proper overnight storage.
Can Dentures Break?
Dentures are durable, but that doesn’t mean they will not break. They may break if:
- You put too much pressure on them while chewing
- You eat a lot of acidic food
- You drop them
Premature wear and tear can also happen due to changing temperatures
What Happens if They Don’t Fit Anymore?
Sometimes, your dentures don’t break. They simply don’t fit anymore. It happens, and it’s not anyone’s fault. The simple explanation to this is that mouths can change shape over time. If your dentures don’t fit anymore, don’t throw them away! Call your dentist as soon as possible to discuss denture repair. It may still be possible to adjust your dentures so you won’t have to have a new one made.
Is Professional Repair Necessary?
You may be able to temporarily patch your dentures with the use of a repair kit, but that would only last long enough until you’re able to get them to your dentist. If you keep patching them up yourself, you may end up damaging them in the long run. Additionally, under no circumstances should you use superglue on your dentures, as it will only damage your dentures and may even cause gum inflammation. The only way to permanently fix your dentures, without damaging them, is through the help of the professionals.
If you find a break or crack in your dentures, do not hesitate to contact your dentist. Most dentists partner with reliable dental labs like Dani Dental Studio, who can help you with all your denture repair needs in Phoenix.
