Tips for Keeping Dentures Comfortable

When you first get your dentures at your Arcadia dental office, they may feel a bit strange in your mouth. As with any dental appliance, there’s an adjustment period where your mouth gets used to the feel of the appliance. Fortunately, this adjustment period usually only lasts a few short weeks. During this period, your dentist will ask you to eat and speak as normally as you can. The good news is there are a few tips and tricks you can use to keeping your dentures comfortable.

Use Dental Adhesive

Dental adhesive isn’t strictly necessary for denture use, but it can help you feel more secure during those first few weeks. As you get used to your dentures, you’ll notice some slight movement when you eat and speak. This is normal as long as it doesn’t cause your dentures to dislodge. However, it makes a lot of people uncomfortable when they first get their dentures. To help combat this feeling of insecurity. When you get your dentures in Arcadia, talk to your dentist about what dental adhesives work best for the type of dentures you have.

Ask About Implant-Anchored Dentures

Conventional dentures create a seal along your palette and gum line. For the most part, that seal is all you need to hold your dentures in place. However, there are other options if you’re looking for an even more secure fit. Implant-anchored dentures use a few, well-placed dental implants to lock your dentures into place. These implants are drilled directly into the jawbone, reducing bone loss and preventing your dentures from shifting during normal activities.

Give Your Mouth a Break

To prevent discomfort, most dentists advise patients to take their dentures out for between six and eight hours per day. Sleeping without your dentures is an easy way to give your gums and palette the break they need to recover from the pressure exerted by your dentures. Of course, you also need to make sure your dentures don’t dry out overnight. To keep your dentures moist whenever they aren’t in your mouth, you should keep them in a glass of water. This will protect your dentures from being damaged by dry conditions, making them more comfortable and longer-lasting.

Get Your Dentures Fitted Regularly

Your mouth changes slightly over time, especially if you don’t have dental implants to help preserve the jawbone. Unfortunately, that means that your perfectly fitted dentures might not be as comfortable in six months or a year. In order to make sure that your dentures always fit you properly, visit your endodontist every six months for an examination and fitting. During this appointment, your dentist will be able to check the condition and fit of your dentures. Generally speaking, a pair of dentures can last up to ten years with proper care, but they may require relining or rebasing every once in a while to help maintain a comfortable fit.

Keep Your Dentures Clean

Keeping your dentures clean is the easiest way to ensure that your gums and other oral tissues remain healthy. As a bonus, proper denture care will actually extend the life of your dentures. Fortunately, denture care is pretty straightforward. Simply brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush or denture brush using liquid soap. Rinse your dentures well, then allow them to soak in clean water while you sleep.

Maintaining the Smile You Want

Dentures are a great solution for patients who want a relatively easy solution for missing teeth. With proper care, you can comfortably use dentures for years without having to worry about enjoying the everyday activities you always have.