DENTURE REPAIRS
Preventing the need for repairs to your dentures begins with good care of your dentures. There are many things you can do to keep your dentures in great shape and extend the life of them.
Handle your dentures carefully. Avoid dropping them accidentally by standing over a folded towel or full sink of water when handling them. This will go a long way in preventing damage being done to them by a fall.
Keep them clean with a good denture cleaner. Both hand soap and mild dishwashing liquid can be used to clean your dentures. Do not use toothpaste which often can be too abrasive for your dentures. You can also use an ultrasonic cleaner.
Brush and rinse your dentures daily, just like your natural teeth, dentures need to be brushed. Use a clean, soft soft bristle brush specifically designed for dentures and gently brush all surfaces of the denture. Being careful not to bend the attachments or damage the plastic. Avoid hard bristle brushes as they can damage and wear down the denture. Do this in between brushings and rinse dentures after every meal.
Care is just as important when you’re not wearing your dentures as when you are. Your dentures should be kept moist when not being worn to keep them from drying out or losing their shape. When you’re not wearing your dentures you should place them in a cleanser soaking solution or in water. Unless your dentures have metal attachments, they could tarnish if placed in a soaking solution. And never place them in hot water, it can cause them to warp.
Following those tips will help keep your dentures in good shape and save a few repair trips. However, sometimes repairs are necessary despite the best care. You may require one or more follow-up appointments shortly after getting your dentures to have any adjustments that need to be made. Make sure you do this and don’t try any “do-it-yourself” kits, they can permanently damage dentures and over the counter glues may contain harmful chemicals that also could damage your dentures.
Dentures that don’t fit properly can cause a host of issues the least of which is irritation as well as sores in the mouth and on the gums. Make sure you contact your dentist should your dentures break, crack, chip or one of the teeth becomes loose. Simple repairs can be made most often in one office visit. More complicated repairs may require being sent to a dental lab.
Time also causes issues to your dentures such as the need to be relined, or remade simply due to normal wear and age related changes to your face, jaw bones and gums.
Call your dentist should you have questions or concerns regarding these issue.
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