Denture & Partial Denture Care

Denture & Partial Denture Care Instruction Sheet

*Dentures are prosthetics made of plastic that look like teeth. They are not meant for tooth replacement. They are a smile replacement. Please lower your expectations when it comes to how you will speak and chew moving forward. Many adapt and dentures work well but others may not have the same experience. Nothing is better than what nature gave you so be patient and know it may take time to become comfortable using these prosthetics if ever.

Daily Cleaning:

  • Remove your dentures and/or partial from your mouth after eating.
  • Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any loose food particles.
  • Use a soft-bristled denture brush or a toothbrush to clean all surfaces of your dentures, including the teeth, gums, and palate.
  • Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it may be too abrasive and can damage the denture material. Instead, use a mild -denture cleanser or soap and water.

Soaking:

  • After cleaning, immerse your appliance in a denture soaking solution or water. This helps to keep your appliance moist and prevents them from drying out. Desiccation can lead to increased

fractures.

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended soaking time, usually overnight or as advised by your dentist.

Oral Hygiene:

  • Even if you have full dentures, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush or gauze to remove plaque.
  • Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce bacteria and keep your mouth feeling fresh.

Handling with Care:

  • Handle your appliance carefully. When cleaning or handling them, place a soft towel in the sink or over a basin of water to prevent damage if they accidentally slip from your hands.
  • Avoid using hot or boiling water, as it can warp the acrylic resin. Do not leave in the car during the hot AZ summers!
  • Keep them away from pets, specifically dogs as they like to chew on them.

Regular Check-ups:

  • Visit your dentist regularly for adjustments, cleaning, and to ensure they fit properly.
  • If you notice any cracks, chips, loose or broken parts, contact your dentist immediately for repairs.
  • Partials and dentures are generally relined for fit every few years and totally replaced every 5-7 years.

Overnight Care:

  • Remove your appliances at night to give your gums a chance to rest and prevent potential infections.
  • Store your appliance(s) in a denture soaking solution or water overnight.

Eating with Dentures:

  • Start with soft foods when you first get your appliance and gradually introduce firmer foods as you get used to them.
  • Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, hard candy, or bones, as they can damage them .

Staying Hydrated:

  • Stay well-hydrated throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and comfortable while wearing your appliance(s).

Denture Adhesives (if used):

  • If your dentist recommends a denture adhesive, use it as directed to improve stability and retention of your dentures. However, avoid using adhesives as a solution for poorly fitting dentures; consult your dentist for adjustments instead.

Avoiding DIY Repairs:

  • Never attempt to repair your appliance at home using household glues or adhesives, as they can contain harmful chemicals and may not provide a safe or lasting fix. Always seek professional assistance from your dentist.

Immediate (Temporary) Dentures and Partials:

  • Everything above applies.
  • Follow Prescriptions directions
  • Follow extraction Post Operative instructions
  • Following teeth removal please attempt to leave in your denture(s) for at least 48-72 hours. This will help control swelling and allow you to get used to the prosthetic(s). It will be uncomfortable as you just had your teeth removed. Once you take it out you may not be able to get it back in due to swelling and pain.
  • Oozing may continue for up to 1 week. Longer if on blood thinners or take aspirin. Do not stop your blood thinners unless the dentist has asked you to.
  • You may also have a fullness feeling from the dentures as well as a gag response. This gag response may or may not subside and will be patient dependent.
  • Stick to a soft, even liquid form diet such as ensure, slimfast and protein shakes. You need nourishment to help with healing.
  • You will have sore spots and we will adjust the denture as you go through the healing process for best comfort.
  • As you heal the tissues will shrink and the appliance(s) may become loose. Your treatment plan included tissue conditioning in order to better fit the denture to the gums as you heal. We may do this several times over 6-12 months and this has a fee.
  • The upper denture is generally the easiest to get used to but the lower is the hardest and least stable because there is no suction and there is a tongue and lower jaw movement. Most likely adhesive will have to be worn to keep it in. Don’t be surprised if the upper needs it too.
  • Do not place adhesives on the denture(s) where teeth were removed because it may get stuck and prevent wound healing.
  • Most do well with this process but it takes time. The older you are the more difficult it is to adapt to eating and speaking with a new prosthetic. Practice talking outloud and even singing to get used to the new prosthetics. Practice, practice, practice!
  • A final prosthetic will be fabricated approximately 6-12 months depending on the healing.

Remember, proper denture care is crucial to maintaining your oral health and the longevity of your dentures. If you have any concerns or questions about your dentures please contact us.

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