False teeth, or dentures, are removable appliances that help many persons eat and smile with confidence. When properly cared for, a set can last for many years. They do require some maintenance, though, and it is important that patients know how to spot issues in the early stages. When an individual receives a new denture, special care should be taken to learn how to keep it usable for years to come.
Basic care practices include daily maintenance as well as the periodic examination of the dentures for repair needs. Even though the patient has no teeth, regular dental appointments should still be maintained so that the doctor can examine the oral structures and integrity of the denture material. Any issues that arise with an oral appliance should be addressed by a dental professional in a timely manner.
Any patient who wears false teeth should soak them in a cleaning solution overnight. The tissue under the removable appliance needs to breathe, and patients who never remove dentures have a higher incidence of oral fungal infection. It is also important that the teeth soak overnight so that plaque and bacteria can be removed. When plaque hardens on a denture, it turns into calculus, which can greatly inhibit its longevity and can also affect the aesthetics of the appliance.
Wearers who use denture adhesive need to take extra care when cleaning to make sure all the residue is removed each night. A soft toothbrush can be used for any hard-to-reach areas, and most drugstores have soaking solutions available.
The two types of relines, known as soft relines or hard relines, refer to the type of material used for the procedure. When the patient notices that a denture is fitting more loosely than normal, an appointment should be made with a dentist. Additional material can be added to improve the performance, and a proper reline can keep the patient from needing to invest in a whole new set of teeth.
A denture reline may be necessary every few years; however, after several relines, a new set may be needed to create a proper fit. The jawbone shrinks over time, and false teeth must be adjusted to account for this.
Wearers should examine dentures regularly to check for cracks. What starts as a hairline fracture in acrylic can soon turn into a broken appliance. If any flaws in the material are found, the patient should see a dentist as soon as possible. Sometimes, early intervention can prevent a costly repair. The patient should also take care to avoid dropping the teeth to prevent breaks.
Dentures are a worthwhile investment for many people, and a set can help restore confidence and chewing function. Patients must understand how to properly care for them, though. When maintained correctly, a set of dentures can be worn for many years, giving the person a healthy smile.
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