Book Online
Forms
Dentures are a tried-and-true solution for replacing missing teeth that have helped countless patients restore their compromised smiles. But even though they function as your lost pearly whites, did you know that dentures aren’t intended to be worn every hour of every day? Here’s more from your dentist about dentures and why it’s best to wear them as intended, along with some tips for ensuring they remain in great shape.
Why You Shouldn’t Wear Dentures 24/7
When you don’t remove your dentures regularly, you’re creating quite a few problems for your mouth. Constantly exposing your mouth to the pressures of dentures can accelerate bone loss and cause your prosthetic to not fit properly. Not to mention, the moist, dark space between your dentures and gums is the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This means that if your dentures aren’t removed and cleaned, it can lead to all kinds of issues ranging from sore gums to serious matters like pneumonia or denture stomatitis, which is a painful condition that affects your soft oral tissues.
It’s worth noting that when you first get dentures, you’ll have to endure an adjustment period in which it’s important to wear them as often as possible so that your mouth has a chance to become accustomed to the prosthetics. That said, once you’ve adjusted to them, it’s important to adopt a habit of removing them regularly to avoid problems. It’s usually recommended that you remove your dentures for at least 6 to 8 hours every day, meaning that you shouldn’t exceed 16 – 18 hours of wear-time during a 24-hour period. Nighttime is often the perfect opportunity for this.
Keeping Your Dentures Clean and Uncompromised
Dentures can be life-changing, but it depends greatly on your willingness to do things properly, especially concerning wear-time, as well as keeping them clean and undamaged. When you remove your dentures, you should clean them thoroughly to remove food particles and debris. It’s recommended that you soak them in a denture-cleaning solution, to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape—ill-fitting dentures will only make matters worse!
About the Practice
The team here at All Smiles Leesburg is ready to assist patients and families in the area with all of their dental needs! They offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options including dentures to help you restore your compromised smile. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to arrange a visit, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance: (703) 991-7554.