If you have partial or full dentures, maintaining regular preventive care is just as important as having regular natural teeth dental appointments.
Over time, your denture can change shapes or have damage just like your natural smile, so visiting your dentist for regular checkups is essential. Dental checkups are a necessary part of ensuring the longevity of every denture we craft for our patients.
During these checkups, we will examine your dentures, ensure that the fit is still comfortable, make any necessary adjustments, and thoroughly clean them. Regular maintenance from a skilled dentist will ensure that you are able to keep your dentures for a longer period of time and that they will always fit comfortably and function properly.
If you have partial dentures, during these visits, we will also examine your remaining natural oral structures to keep them healthy and make sure that you are not suffering from gum disease, oral cancer, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, or other common smile health issues.
Four Reasons to Maintain Regular Denture Appointments
Whether you have full or partial dentures, you should visit dentist your dentist at least twice a year or whenever the dentist recommends. Here are four good reasons why dental appointments are necessary.
To maintain proper dental hygiene. Even if you have a full set of dentures, gum disease is a risk. If you have partial dentures and some natural teeth, then those teeth are more at risk for cavities. Food particles can get stuck between dentures and teeth. Even dentures are at risk of developing plaque buildup, so they need professional cleaning just as natural teeth do. Going for a regular checkup is important to prevent cavities and gum disease.
To detect oral health problems. Going to a dentist on a regular basis allows the dentist to catch any potential concerns early on. This can include gum disease and oral cancer. Professional dentists can act right away if early symptoms of gum disease are detected, examine for oral cancer or detect other problems before they get serious.
To adjust the way dentures fit. As we age our mouth tissues begin to change. These changes can affect your bite and how the dentures fit in your mouth. Poorly fitting dentures can cause discomfort. Poorly fitting dentures can also cause sores, gum disease, sleep apnea, TMJ, and poor nutrition. If you are suffering from discomfort or your dentures start slipping or begin to click when you speak, these are signs that you need to schedule a dental appointment right away.
To help dentures last longer. Scheduling a dental visit at regular intervals will ensure that your dentures are routinely checked for damage or other problems. This can maintain the functionality of the dentures for a long period. All dentists provide instructions on how to properly care for your dentures at home.
How Should I Care For My Dentures Between Visits?
Placing your dentures in water or cleanser solution when you are not wearing them will help prolong its life. It helps the denture retain its shape, remain pliable, and keeps them from drying out. You should NEVER place dentures in hot or boiling water, which can cause them to warp.
You can use denture adhesives; however, they are not a remedy for poorly fitting dentures. If that is the case, then they will need to be relined or replaced to prevent oral sores from developing.
Dentures require proper maintenance to keep them clean, stain free, and to have your smile looking the best. For good denture care:
- Remove and rinse dentures after eating.
- Clean your mouth after removing your dentures.
- Brush your dentures twice daily.
- Soak your dentures overnight.
- Schedule regular dental checkups.
- See your dentist for loose fitting dentures.
What If I Have A Denture Emergency?
If your denture is damaged, feels uncomfortable, or begins to shift, call your dentist immediately to schedule an emergency visit. If your denture is left unrepaired, damaged or ill-fitting it may cause additional harm.
We will do our best to fit you in on the day you call, and in some cases, we will be able to repair the damaged denture in our office. If we need to craft a new denture, we will restore your current prosthetic to working order, until we receive your new partial or full denture.
What Could Happen if I Need Replacements?
Unfortunately, dentures do not last forever. Even if they are of the highest quality, most durable dentures will usually need to be replaced after seven to 10 years.
H-Town Dental
Turn to the dentists at H-Town Dental for all of your denture needs! Our dentists are well-versed in the care and maintaining of your dentures, and our dentists will examine your dentures as part of every visit to keep them in tip-top shape. Contact our team at today to schedule your appointment!
