Denture Care Instructions (By Type)

Anyone with missing teeth knows how important their dentures are to their quality of life. They help you chew and speak properly while giving you the confidence to smile in public. 

There are various types of dentures based on your dental needs. For example, dentures can partially or fully replace teeth, depending on if you are missing a few or all of your teeth.

Here's a quick overview of the different types of dentures and how they work:

• Removable full dentures — A removable set of dentures that take up the whole mouth. 
• Removable partial dentures — A removable set of dentures that cover some parts of the mouth with missing teeth.
• Fixed partial dentures — Similar to removable partial dentures, but they’re permanently cemented and can’t be taken out.
• Implant retained dentures — Dentures for people who’ve lost an entire arch of teeth. They are supported by implants and “snap” in place to prevent bone deterioration.

Keep reading to learn more about how to take care of your dentures.

How to Take Care of Your Dentures

To ensure your dentures have a longer life span, it’s important to treat them with care. With that in mind, it’s essential to know how to remove and clean your dentures.

Follow these steps to keep your dentures safe:

1. Fill a bowl or basin with warm water and place it in your sink, so if your dentures fall, they’ll fall in the water.
2. Always have a towel or cloth on the floor or around the sink so your dentures won’t break if they fall.
3. Gargle with warm water to help remove the seal between your denture and the adhesive or the roof of your mouth
4. Gently remove your lower denture by holding the middle part between two fingers and rocking it back and forth. When it starts to elevate, remove it upward.
5. The upper denture has a more robust seal to the roof of your mouth and may need to be removed in a few more rocking motions. You should be able to break the seal by placing a finger on either side of the denture near the corner of your lips and pulling downward.
6. When both dentures are removed, rinse them underwater.
7. Use an approved denture brush or soft toothbrush with denture paste or liquid soap to clean off any food, plaque, or denture adhesive.
8. Clean the roof of your mouth and your gums.
9. Soak your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution.
10. Rinse your dentures with water before inserting them in the mouth.

Many of these tips apply to most dentures. However, some types of dentures require more attention and care than others. Here’s how to take care of the different types of dentures:

How to Care for Removable Dentures

Removable partial or full dentures require proper care and maintenance. Caring for dentures is imperative for long-term function and oral health maintenance. 

The best way to care for your dentures is to:

• Rinse them after every meal to remove plaque and food particles 
• Maintain routine dental visits to ensure they are in optimal shape
• Brush them gently at night with a denture brush to wash off any food, plaque, or denture adhesive
• Handle them with proper care to avoid breaking them
• Let them bathe in a denture cleaner overnight 

How to Care for Implant Retained Dentures

It is essential to understand how to care for your new, permanent prosthesis. Here are a few different ways you can take care of implant retained dentures:

Oral Care

Like your natural teeth, you should maintain oral care at home with proper brushing and flossing.

You can use specialized toothbrushes with soft bristles designed for brushing around dental implants and under your prosthesis. You can also use specialized floss, such as super floss or floss threaders, especially for fixed partial dentures.

Night Routine

It is recommended to remove your fixed denture while sleeping, even though it is considered a permanent solution. Not sleeping with your denture helps prevent: 

• Bacterial build-up
• Potential fungal infections
• Other complications like gum disease 

Dental Appointments

Always remember to attend routine dental visits to have your fixed denture evaluated. A comprehensive evaluation of your gums and tissues will determine if your implants and prosthesis are in good shape. 

A dental assessment of your dentures will decide if your pair is working correctly or if you need a new set of dentures. 

Diet

Monitor your diet carefully. Although you can eat more comfortably with a fixed denture, avoid hard foods that can cause damage to the porcelain on your implant crowns.

Keep Them in Water

If you’re not wearing your dentures, it is important to keep them submerged in water or denture solution. The acrylic can dry out over time and lose its shape, causing the dentures to become brittle and not fit as well.

Dentures are full of microscopic holes, and keeping them moist is crucial to ensure the long life of your dentures.

When to Replace Your Dentures

The best quality dentures can last up to 5 to 10 years, but they don’t last forever.⁷ Over time, your dentures will wear down, and you’ll need to replace them.

You’ll need to replace your dentures when:

• Your dentures are loose or falling out
• You have difficulties speaking
• They cause discomfort or pain
• Your dentures are harming your gums
• They are damaged or discolored

What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Your Dentures?

It seems logical to use toothpaste or other cleaning agents to care for your dentures. However, these may contain harsh and abrasive materials that can damage your dentures.

It would help if you used a specialized denture cleaner, baking soda, or vinegar to remove stains. 

Good maintenance can prolong the life of your denture. The following listed below can cause damage to your dentures:

• Toothpaste and whitening products — Toothpaste is too abrasive and can lead to the wearing away of the acrylic material. 
• Bleach — Bleach is very harsh on your dentures and can lead to discoloration and weakening of the prosthetic. Do not soak dentures in any solution that is not advised by your dentist. 
• Sharp objects — If you have buildup on your denture, it is best to make an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning. Using a file or sharp object to scrape debris off can lead to rough surfaces, ditches, or scratches on your denture.  
• Dishwasher — Avoid putting your dentures in the dishwasher with hot water or dishwashing detergent. This can lead to the deformation or melting of the acrylic. 

Always store your dentures in an enclosed case. Leaving them in the sun (such as in a car on a hot day) can warp them. Pets may also be attracted to dentures and damage them.

Summary

Dentures are important for people who are missing all or some of their teeth. It helps them eat, speak, and smile properly.

There are many different types of dentures, and knowing how to take care of them ensures they last longer. There are some general rules for taking care of your dentures, like regular dentist appointments and a regular dental care routine. 

However, some dentures, like fixed or implanted options, require a different approach. Regardless of the type of denture you have, it is important to avoid substances and materials that can harm or damage them. 

Your dentures won’t last forever, so knowing when to replace them is important. If maintained properly, they can last up to 7 to 10 years.