Millions of Americans and people worldwide have lost a tooth or teeth, many of whom opt to get dentures made. Tooth loss can occur due to an accident or injury, disease in the teeth or gums, or slow decay over time.
Dentures are one of the most well-established, effective ways to deal with the loss of teeth. They can help you restore function to your mouth, including restoring your ability to chew. They can help you gain confidence in smiling and showing your teeth again.
Dental hygiene is just as crucial for people with dentures as it is for those that haven’t lost a tooth or teeth. Without proper care or management, they can warp and become unusable, requiring that they be replaced.
There are several common signs that your dentures might need to be replaced. For example, if it has been 5+ years since you had the set made, it may be time for a visit to the dentist. Your dentist can evaluate your status and determine if new ones need to be made. The shape of dentures can be warped (e.g., after an accident). Over time, there can even be physical changes to your teeth, which will require a new set to be made.
Another sign might be that they do not fit as well as they used to. In other words, you may not even be able to place the dentures on. Or, if you can place them, they may become easily dislodged during eating and require the use of adhesives. Finally, another sign is inflammation, or even pain (i.e., in the gums), caused by degrading or misshapen dentures. Continuing to use them while experiencing this condition could lead to sores and other issues.
If you suspect there might be an issue with your them, or if it has simply been several years since you first got them, speak with your dentist and get evaluated quickly.
Of course, there are several things you can do to prolong the life of your dentures and avoid frequent replacements and added costs. First, common sense care, such as making sure that they are in a secure location when not in use (e.g., out of the reach of children; not in a precarious position), can avoid preventable breaks or damage.
The American Dental Association has also published recommendations for denture care. For example, when not using your dentures, they should be stored in cold water or denture solution. Notably, you should not place them in water that is hot or boiling because this may cause them to warp.
Further, cleaning your them daily will go a long way in improving their longevity. Just like failing to brush your teeth, failing to clean your dentures can cause them to deteriorate and build up things like plaque. The ADA—or of course, your dentist—can provide you with even more information regarding proper care and management, including recommendations for types of denture cleansers or solutions for storage.
Request an appointment here: https://www.38md.com or call 38 Meserole Dental at (718) 709-3902 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dentures and Partial Dentures in Brooklyn, NY.
If your dentures don't fit anymore or have some missing teeth, you need a denture reline to make them fit and look good again. Denture relining is the best option if you have weak or damaged teeth that cannot be used as anchors to retain your dentures. If you have natural teeth, the dentist will…
Dentures are used to replace missing teeth, but two types of dentures can be used to do this: immediate dentures (also known as temporary dentures) and conventional dentures. Both kinds of dentures are durable and stable, but which one is right for you depends on your situation and how fast you need your tooth replacement…
Learning more about dentures and how they work to support your overall good oral health is necessary when you are missing multiple teeth. The many advancements in the dental industry allow for more denture choices than ever before. This is great news for anyone who is in need of dentures, as dentures are indeed necessary…
It is essential to replace missing teeth the moment they fall out. Failing to do so can lead to serious health issues. Teeth serve an important function: They help people break down foods, pronounce certain words and their roots keep your jawbone tissue healthy.When some of a person's teeth are missing, there are changes that…
Dentists commonly recommend dental crowns to protect teeth that have become structurally damaged due to a variety of problems, including severe cavities, infection, and other forms of tooth decay. The application of dental crowns is one of the most widespread dental procedures, so it is important for patients to understand how long they should be…
Invisalign® is a teeth-straightening treatment that entails wearing sets of custom-made transparent aligners over the teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces that use wires and brackets, the aligners are removable, which means wearers can take them off when they want to eat or brush their teeth. Learn about these clear aligners and how they are used to…