Dentures

How do I clean dentures?

Traditional removable dentures require proper care to keep them clean, free from stains and looking great. Below are some cleaning steps and things to avoid when using traditional removable dentures:

• Remove and rinse dentures after eating by running water over them to remove food debris and loose particles.
• Handle them carefully and don’t bend or damage the plastic or clasps when cleaning.
• Clean your mouth after removing dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Brush your dentures once a day and soak them in nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove food, plaque and other deposits.
• Soak dentures overnight in a mild denture-soaking solution to keep them moist and so they hold their shape.
• Schedule regular dental checkups so your dentists can ensure proper fit, prevent slippage and discomfort and check the inside of your mouth to ensure it stays healthy.
• Likewise, avoid abrasive cleaning materials, whitening toothpaste, and products containing bleach on your dentures, and hot or boiling water that could warp them.

What are the different types of dentures?

There are two types of dentures available. Traditional dentures that can be easily removed and cleaned on a daily basis and those that are “fixed”, also known as fixed dentures. Fixed dentures are permanently secured using dental implants. Once installed, they cannot be removed at home, but we can remove them in the office to clean and maintain the implants. With the proper care, fixed dentures will last a lifetime and feel almost indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Traditional dentures are those that grip around the dental arch and remaining jawbone and rely on suction to the gum tissue to remain securely in place. They are removed for cleaning and to allow the tissue to “breathe.”

What is the best denture adhesive or denture glue?

The Oral Health Foundation developed guidelines to guide dental health care professionals and patients on the use of denture adhesive creams. These guidelines are listed below:

• Patient satisfaction has become a decisive factor for the overall success of prosthodontic treatment in full-denture wearers.
• Denture adhesives can enhance the retention of, and reduce food accumulation beneath, well-fitting complete dentures.
• Denture adhesives can be beneficial to the patient. They may enhance comfort, provide psychological satisfaction, increase confidence and thus wellbeing, while increasing retention and stability, and improving function.
• The effectiveness of denture adhesives cannot compensate for significant denture deficiencies.
• Dental professionals should provide guidance and instructions to the patient on the correct application and use of the adhesive, and on removing it and cleaning the denture.
• The optimum time to advise on the use of an adhesive varies between patients. For well-fitting dentures it might occur at a review appointment, or for patients finding problems with compliance at the time of fitting or soon after.

What are partial dentures?

A partial denture is a removable prosthesis that fills an area of several missing teeth. It can be removed to clean and sleep and is an affordable and good-looking option for many patients.

What is a full arch implant treatment?

There are a couple options for full arch implant treatments.

1. Ball Attachment Overdenture: The first option is known as an “overdenture.” This is where two or four implants are placed on your lower jaw and a denture “snaps in” to these implants.
2. Bar Overdenture: The second option is known as a “bar overdenture” and involves placing four to six implants into your upper or lower jaw. The implants are connected with a support bar and your denture will attach to the support bar with clips.
3. Fixed Denture (Screwed In Place): A third option involves placing enough implants in the upper or lower jawbone to support a fixed bridge. The full arch bridge is screwed into the implants so they can only be taken out in our office for maintenance visits.
4. Individual Crowns and Bridges: This is the most natural-looking, functioning and feeling full arch implant restoration. It typically requires at least 8 or more implants and the restorations are placed in segments.