Keep Dentures Looking Good and Fitting Well

Full dentures have an average life span of five to 10 years. The fit of your dentures will change over time as your body reabsorbs the alveolar bone. Your dentist can make adjustments and repairs in between complete replacements.

When your dentures get too loose, your dentist can add a layer of material to the underside of the base so that they conform better to your mouth. This is called relining. The fit can also be corrected by making a new base. If the chewing surfaces become worn, your dentist can attach new teeth to the existing base.

You can keep your dentures looking good and fitting well for a long time by taking proper care of them. Here are some tips that will help:

Wash dentures in cold or warm—not hot—water.

Be careful not to drop dentures on a hard surface, as they break easily. Handle them over a basin of water or a soft towel.

• Wash dentures daily with denture cleanser, hand soap, or mild dish liquid. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

• Clean all denture surfaces by scrubbing thoroughly with a special denture brush or a hard toothbrush.

• After the adjustment phase, take your dentures out when you sleep to relieve pressure on your gums. If you cannot be without your dentures overnight, take them out for at least a couple of hours every day.

• Soak your dentures in a denture cleaning solution or in water when they’re not in your mouth. Don’t let them dry out.

• Continue to brush your mouth—including your gums, palate, and tongue—with a soft bristled toothbrush every morning before you insert your dentures.

• Minor irritation and soreness should subside as you grow accustomed to your dentures. • Call your dentist if discomfort persists or if you notice staining, bad odor, color changes, or tartar deposits on your dentures.

• Don’t try to adjust or repair your dentures on your own.

Source: Dental Health for Adults: A Guide to Protecting Your Teeth and Gums. Copyright © by Harvard University. All rights reserved.