A denture is a dental appliance that is recommended for people who have total or partial tooth loss.
This can be caused by genetic factors, poor oral hygiene, blows to the mouth, severe periodontal disease, malnutrition, calcium deficiency, enamel weakness or dentin weakness.
The denture helps the patient chew food and protects the sensitive gum area from further shrinkage.
This dental device is custom-made to fit the upper and lower arch of the patient.
A bite impression is taken to create the working cast.
The cast is then sent to a lab to be made.
During the final fitting, the dental professional will check the denture to make sure that there are no tight areas and to check the overall fit of the denture.
The dental professional will also provide the patient with tips on how to care for his or her dental prosthesis.
New Denture Care Tips 1.
Invest in a dental adhesive to keep the dentures in place.
These come in cream, powder or wafer form.
Pick the one you are most comfortable using.
For extra comfort, dental adhesive wafers help cushion the gums while providing proper hold.
2.
Find a denture adhesive that is zinc free to protect yourself from the harmful side effects of taking in too much zinc.
Make sure that you use the denture paste as directed by the manufacturer.
Do not use more than the required amount written in the instructions.
3.
Brush your dentures with a denture toothbrush and use denture toothpaste as well.
The bristles of the denture brush are softer than those found on regular toothbrushes.
This protects the dental appliance from developing rough surfaces which can irritate your gums and cause discomfort.
4.
Dentures may change in shape.
Do not use warm water to clean them.
Store them in cold water to prevent warping.
5.
Fill your sink with water when you brush your dentures.
This will protect them from breaking if they were to fall.
6.
Consult your dental professional about denture stain removal techniques.
Do not use vinegar, soap, detergent or regular toothpaste to clean your prosthesis.
Never use whitening toothpaste to clean your denture unless it is prescribed by a dentist.
7.
If you notice any cracks, fractures or changes in shape, visit your dentist for denture repair.
Do not attempt to use household materials to glue them together.
If denture repair is impossible due to the amount of damage, a new denture will have to be made.
8.
Relining may be done over time to correct the fit of the denture, especially if bone shrinkage occurs.
If the appliance feels loose in spite of denture adhesive, visit your dental professional as soon as possible.
The dentist adds extra material to the denture base to improve the fit.
This will make the denture less prone to slipping out and fracturing.
Never attempt denture repair on your own.
Dentures require a minimal amount of maintenance and help the wearer feel more confident.
Consult your dentist for any concerns regarding your dentures and their maintenance.
Thanks to dental technology, you can smile, talk, laugh and eat your favorite food with no problem at all.
If you follow all your new denture care tips, you will be able to make use of your appliance for a long time.