Denture Care at Smileboston                     

A denture is an appliance used to replace natural teeth and help restore your smile. Dentures also provide support for cheeks and lips and are fabricated two different ways, in addition to implant supported for long-term security.

A conventional denture is made once natural teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately following tooth removal, where the gum tissue is able to heal under the denture.

While dentures have been used for hundreds of years to replace missing teeth, today’s technology has paved the way for a more comfortable, natural looking smile. Dentures are typically made of acrylic, porcelain or a combination of both. An upper denture covers the palate (roof of the mouth) and the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe and allows room for your tongue. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.

Over a normal course of time dentures will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. It is important to note that alignment will slowly change over time as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to lack of permanent teeth. Regular dental examinations are critically important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for alignment, disease or change.

Advice & Tips for Caring for Dentures

• Only a dental professional is qualified to diagnose and adjust your denture or partial.
• Dentures should be brushed inside & outside daily with a soft, large nylon denture tooth brush with round-ended bristles.
• Use denture creams to clean your denture instead of toothpastes which tend to be more abrasive and will scratch the appliance.
• Rinse dentures with cold water.  Dentures warp if placed in hot water.
• Inspect your denture regularly for worn teeth. Worn and stained teeth can cause your dentures to function poorly.
• Discuss all your current medications with your dentist & be sure to schedule regular hygiene visits.
• Have loose dentures checked immediately as they can cause friction and pressure on the gum tissues and bones. This can create serious mouth sores, even in a short-time.
• When not in use, be sure to cover dentures with water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out.