Do you wear a partial or complete denture? Here is a guide that will help you keep it in good condition while taking care of your oral health.

 

New Denture

As you have probably noticed, several steps and appointments are necessary to make your prostheses. All of these procedures allow us to create an individualized dental replacement solution for each of our patients. However, each treatment has its limitations and it is important to have reasonable expectations. Indeed, a prosthesis is a foreign body and will never be equivalent to your natural teeth. Whether it is a replacement prosthesis or your first one, an adaptation period is necessary in order to get used to it.

 

Pressure points may develop during the first few weeks of wearing your new device. If so, contact us and we'll see you as soon as possible for an adjustment.

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The shape of the dental ridge (bone) affects the stability and retention of your prosthesis. Thus, some ridges are more prone to a good suction effect and others not. Although it is possible in most cases to achieve a good seal and retention for an upper prosthesis, a lower prosthesis is rarely retained by a suction effect. This is because the inferior bone crest is thin and surrounded by muscles which have a ‘‘trampoline effect’’ on the prosthesis.

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Maintenance

Like natural teeth, dentures are not immune to plaque buildup. Plaque is nothing more than a well-organized aggregate of bacteria.

 

Complete and partial dentures with or without metal:

 

1. Rinse your mouth and prosthesis after each meal

2. At least twice a day brush your dentures

i. Use a brush with soft bristles

ii. Use soapy water or a paste specially formulated for dentures.

iii. Do not use toothpaste as it is abrasive and will damage your appliance.

3. Massage and clean your gums at least once a day with an ultra-soft bristle brush.

 

Prostheses that do not contain metal:

1. If tartar builds-up (hard residue):

   • Soak the device in a 5% vinegar solution, then rinse thoroughly before brushing as usual.

2. If you notice a bad smell or food stains

   • Soak in a solution of 1 part of bleach in 4 parts of water. Rinse and clean well before putting back in the mouth. It is important not to use undiluted bleach and to soak in such a solution often since it may whiten your prosthesis and weaken it.

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Specialized soaking solutions (polident, novadent style) also help keep your prosthesis clean.

 

Wearing Your Denture

                As mentioned above, your prosthesis is a foreign body. Because of this, it is important to let your gum tissue rest by removing your appliances. It is recommended not to wear them at night. When your prosthesis is not in your mouth, it should be stored in a humid environment.

1. A glass of water

2. In its box with a piece of paper towel soaked in water

 

Denture Lifespan

Your mouth is constantly changing due to a phenomenon called bone remodeling. Not only can the fit of your prosthesis be compromised, the stability of a new prosthesis can also be compromised if you wear the same device for too long.

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While the norm is to replace your dentures approximately every 5 years, your dentist is the best professional to determine whether or not to do so.

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It is important to note that even if you are toothless, it is recommended that you visit your dentist annually for an oral exam. Remember your dentist is an oral doctor and contrary to popular belief teeth are not their only area of ​​expertise.