Despite being made from durable materials, dentures are prone to damage, wear and tear, and tooth loss. It’s not a question of “if,” but rather “when” it will happen. And it usually occurs when you least expect it! To avoid being without teeth during repairs, having spare duplicate dentures on hand can help bridge the gap.

A duplicate denture is a precise replica of the original denture, with the same size and shape. However, the shade of the gum area and teeth may differ slightly from the original due to discoloration caused by factors such as tea, coffee, nicotine, and denture cleaning solutions over time.

Your dentist will guide you on the duration for wearing your dentures. Initially, you may be recommended to wear them most of the time, even while sleeping. However, after the initial few days, you may be advised to remove them before going to bed to let your gum tissues rest and promote oral health. Keeping the tissues constantly covered by denture material is generally not desirable.

Using a denture adhesive can enhance the retention of properly fitted dentures. However, if your dentures are old or do not fit well, denture adhesive is not a solution. Ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation and lead to the development of sores. In such cases, your dentures may require a reline or replacement. If you experience discomfort or notice your dentures feeling loose, seek immediate dental advice.

Proper denture care is crucial to maintain their durability and prevent damage. When handling dentures, always stand over a folded towel or a basin of water to avoid breakage if dropped. Store them in a safe place away from children and pets when not in use. Like natural teeth, dentures require daily brushing to remove food deposits and plaque. It’s best to use a soft-bristled brush designed specifically for dentures. Avoid using hard-bristled brushes or powdered household cleansers as they can cause damage. Instead, opt for hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid. Look for denture cleansers with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, indicating safety and effectiveness. After rinsing away loose food particles, apply denture cleanser and gently brush every surface. Never let dentures dry out, and avoid hot water, which can cause warping. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used, but they don’t replace daily brushing. Consult your dentist if your dentures feel loose or cause discomfort.

Attempting to adjust or repair your dentures on your own can result in serious damage to both the dentures and your oral health. Poorly fitting dentures can cause irritation and sores. If your dentures become damaged, such as breaking, cracking, or chipping, or if a tooth becomes loose, it’s best to contact a professional repair service like DentureRepairLab.com. Our team of experts can make the necessary repairs on the same day. Without the proper training, attempting to reconstruct the denture can cause even greater damage and further oral problems. Over-the-counter glue may contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on dentures.

With normal wear and tear, dentures may need to be relined, rebased, or remade over time. If dentures become loose and teeth show significant wear, they may need to be replaced. As the mouth changes with age, bone and gum ridges may recede or shrink, causing the jaws to align differently. This can lead to dentures fitting less securely and cause health problems like sores and infections. Loose dentures also make chewing difficult and can alter facial features. Replacing worn or poorly-fitting dentures before they cause problems is important for oral health.

To care for your mouth with full dentures, there are some special steps you should take. Before you put in your dentures each morning, it’s important to brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled brush. This helps remove plaque and stimulates circulation in your mouth. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet that provides proper nutrition is crucial for a healthy mouth. By following these steps, you can help ensure the health of your mouth and the longevity of your dentures.

Denture soaking is a personal choice for denture wearers to clean their dentures, although using a denture cleaning toothpaste is proven to be more effective than soaking alone. If you prefer soaking, it’s recommended to use a known brand tablet or powder with warm water. However, if your dentures have metal parts, do not soak them for more than 10 minutes. Remember that continued soaking in hot water can bleach or discolor your dentures. It’s important to note that most soaking brands recommend brushing in addition to soaking to ensure debris and plaque are physically removed.

If you’re experiencing loose dentures, it could be due to natural changes in your mouth as you age or due to changes in your weight. Relining your dentures can help to make them fit more comfortably. However, if your denture bases are too damaged, you may need to consider getting a new set of dentures. Using Fixodent every day when your denture is more than a year or two old may indicate that it’s time for a reline. Denture relines can typically be done on the same day and should be done every couple of years to maintain a snug fit.

It’s generally recommended to remove dentures at night. Studies have shown that taking out dentures for at least eight hours during the day or night allows the gum tissue to rest and be stimulated and cleansed naturally by the tongue and saliva. This helps promote better gum health in the long run.

Dentures can break due to several reasons, with dropping them being the primary cause. When dentures are dropped, they can crack, and the pieces may come apart during eating or drinking, sometimes even with the softest foods. However, high-quality dentures made from high-impact materials are less likely to break. Loose-fitting dentures can also break easily while eating. Additionally, dentures can weaken and break due to age. It’s essential to keep dentures out of reach of pets as they may chew and damage them.

When it comes to dentures, certain medications can have an impact on their fit and functionality. Saliva production can be reduced by some drugs, making it harder to chew and swallow. It’s important to inform your denturist if you start taking a new medication or if your prescription changes, as they may need to adjust your dentures accordingly. Be sure to read the information sheet that comes with your medication to learn about any side effects that may impact your dentures. If you experience difficulty with your dentures due to medication, speak to your doctor. Regular checkups with your dentist can also help ensure that any changes in your dentures or mouth are addressed promptly.

It is not recommended to try repairing or adjusting your dentures by yourself, even if you are skilled in other areas. Attempting to reline dentures by yourself may lead to increased pressure on the jaw and cause rapid loss of jawbone. Moreover, it may cause irritation to the soft tissue in your mouth. Worst of all, this DIY approach could result in irreparable damage and the need for a new, costly set of dentures. It is best to leave any adjustments or repairs to the professionals.

Dentures can be made of acrylic, metal, or flexible resin. Acrylic is a non-bendable plastic that is colored to look like the gum tissues in your mouth. Metal dentures are made of a chromium cobalt or titanium alloy frame and can be combined with acrylic or flexible materials. Flexible dentures are made of bendable resin and are often used in partial dentures, sometimes in combination with metal frames that have flexible clasps. Clasps are metal or flexible arms that extend from a removable partial denture and help to hold on to a tooth structure, providing anchorage for the denture.