When you invest in high-quality dentures, you want them to stay comfortable, functional, and natural-looking for as long as possible. With the right care, your dentures can last for many years while also protecting your oral health. Here are five essential tips to extend the life of your dentures.
1. Handle Your Dentures With Care
Dentures may be durable, but they’re not indestructible. Even a small drop on a hard surface can cause cracks or breakage. Always handle them carefully and clean them over a soft towel to cushion any accidental slips.
Pro Tip: Store them in a durable hard denture case.
2. Remove Your Dentures Before Sleeping
Sleeping with dentures can increase bacteria buildup, irritate your gums, and accelerate bone loss. Removing them at night helps keep your gums healthy and allows your tissue to recover.
After removing your dentures:
- Rinse them to clear food debris.
- Soak them in a denture cleaning solution or plain water overnight.
- Never let dentures dry out moisture helps maintain their shape and prevents brittleness or discoloration.
3. Clean Your Dentures Daily
Like natural teeth, dentures collect plaque and bacteria. However, avoid using abrasive toothpaste, bleach, or whitening products these can damage your dentures over time.
Instead:
- Use a soft-bristled denture brush.
- Soak in warm water and a denture-safe cleaning solution.
- Rinse thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth.
A daily cleaning routine keeps your dentures looking fresh and extends their lifespan.
4. Keep Your Mouth Clean Too
Even if you no longer have any natural teeth, your oral health matters. Bacteria can still build up on your gums and tongue. Brush your gums and tongue gently with a soft toothbrush to reduce odor, prevent irritation, and improve blood circulation.
Pro Tip: Rinse your mouth after meals to remove food particles that could affect the fit and condition of your dentures.
5. Reline Your Dentures as Needed
Over time, bone loss and natural changes in your gums can cause dentures to loosen. If your dentures don’t fit as well as they once did, a reline can restore the fit and stability. Most patients benefit from a reline every 2 years, but you should check with your denturist if you notice constant slipping, sore spots, or discomfort.
FAQs About Denture Care
A well-made set of dentures can last for many years. However, with proper care and regular relines, some patients can extend the life of their dentures longer.
Some toothpastes can be abrasive and scratch the surface of your denture. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush with warm water and a denture cleaning solution.
Wearing dentures overnight can lead to gum irritation, infections, and faster bone loss, which makes dentures fit uncomfortably and poorly over time. Removing them gives your mouth time to recover from the constant pressure created by wearing dentures all day.
It’s best to visit your denturist at least once a year. They’ll check the fit, look for wear, and recommend adjustments, relines, or replacements if needed.
No. DIY fixes can cause more damage and may harm your oral health. Always bring broken dentures to a professional for safe, lasting repairs.
Contact Premier Dentures for All Your Denture Needs
At Premier Dentures, we don’t just make dentures we help you care for them long-term. With over 21 years of experience and an on-site lab, we offer custom high-quality dentures, relines, and repairs to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. We also offer denture education to ensure you get the most out of your dentures.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you get the most out of your dentures.
