James E Sullivan DDS Dentist Fort Washington Maryland

If you need dental prosthetics, dentures are an excellent way to replace missing teeth, whether you need to replace one or several. Fortunately, the dentures of today have improved significantly upon the older models and are now more comfortable and more secure than ever. You even have options between ones that are removable or affixed. We can make sure they look completely natural and feel good to wear. Then it is up to you to keep them in good condition. If you do, they could last for five years or longer.

Here are a few tips to try at home:

Handle them carefully. It is possible for your dentures to break if dropped. Be sure to keep them in good condition by handling them carefully and resting them on a clean towel once you have taken them out. You want to avoid accidentally dropping them or knocking them off the counter, since this could cause them to break or chip.

Brush daily. You need to keep your dentures clean just like natural teeth. To do so, use a soft toothbrush and brush gently with water. Be sure to avoid a brush with hard bristles and do not use traditional toothpaste, since both can cause them to become scratched.

Use a special dentures cleaning device. There are small cleaning devices that can be used to clean your dentures so they can be sparkling and white. All you need to do is place them inside with the special cleaning solution. The device works using ultrasound technology, though it cannot replace daily brushing.

Soak them nightly. It is important to keep your dentures moist, and to do so, remove them nightly and place them in either a soaking solution or water. Which one is right for your dentures will be based on the type of dentures you wear and whether or not they have metal clasps. We will give you specific guidance when you come into our office.

When you visit our dental office, we can provide you with further instruction regarding how to keep your dentures in excellent condition. Our goal is for you to maintain the ability to smile with confidence, eat your favorite foods, and speak clearly – all things a well-fitting prosthetic can provide. During regular appointments, we will examine your gums and check to see how well your dentures are fitting. These regular examinations are important since it is possible for your jawbone to change, causing your dentures to no longer fit properly. Since the process of resorption naturally occurs after tooth loss, your jaw can essentially shrink, and as it does, your dentures can become loose. If this is the case, you could develop sores or have the inconvenience of having your dentures slip out of place. We can help to prevent this by discussing your other options like fixed dentures or even dental implants. To learn more about the prosthetic solutions available to you, call and schedule an appointment today.