Denture Care Oregon City OR

Denture Maintenance | How To Maintain & Care For Your Denture

Redland Family Dental

A tooth brush in front of denturesAdvice & Tips for Caring for Your Dentures

  • Only your dental professional is qualified to diagnose your oral health and adjust your denture or partial.
  • Dentures should be brushed inside and outside daily with a soft, large nylon denture tooth brush with round-ended bristles.
  • Use denture creams instead of toothpastes, which are too abrasive and will scratch your denture. Rinse with cold water.
  • Dentures warp if placed in hot water.
  • Inspect your dentures regularly for worn teeth.
  • Worn and stained dentures can make you look older and cause your dentures to function poorly.
  • Discuss all your current medications with your doctor and dental professional.
  • Be sure to visit your dental professional regularly.
  • Have loose dentures checked immediately as they can cause friction and pressure on the gum tissues and bones.
  • When not in use, cover dentures with water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out.
  • Most dental insurance policies provide coverage for new dentures every 5 years.

Dentures

A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth, and provides support for the cheeks and lips.

Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways.

  • A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.
  • An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
  • An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
  • A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.

The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain, or a combination thereof. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.

Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.

Partial Dentures

Partial Dentures City, StateA removable partial denture is designed specifically to meet the needs of the patient and can replace one or more missing teeth. A natural appearance and speech clarity is restored along with the ability to eat more efficiently.

Partial Denture Types & Materials

Partial dentures are created out of a metal and acrylic composition or completely out of acrylic. A patient’s specific needs and anatomy dictate the design of the partial denture and every effort is made to construct a self-cleansing partial denture that preserves the remaining teeth and oral tissues.

Your partial denture is designed so that the chewing forces are evenly distributed over the entire surface are of the remaining teeth and soft tissues. Changes to your remaining teeth may be recommended to help equalize these forces.

Metal partials are generally preferred as they are structurally superior. They are thinner and more hygienic than an acrylic partial. Acrylic partials are typically used as a transitional or temporary partial. Dr. Sptize will consult with you to determine the appropriate partial for your situation.

Benefits of Partial Dentures

A removable partial denture may help limit movement of your existing natural teeth. They also allow you to better grind and chew food improving digestion.

Denture Exams & Maintenance

Dentures on top of formsYour dentures are an investment and require care and attention to maintain their optimum performance. The fit of your dentures will have a profound affect on your oral tissues and health. An annual examination by Dr. Sptize will help to ensure your denture is functioning properly.

Medical & Dental History

Updating your medical and dental history with any significant changes is critical to maintaining your oral health and well-being. A variety of medical and dental conditions can alter a dentures fit.

Oral Exam

Annual examinations can assist in detecting oral abnormalities including cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions. Early detection of these conditions is generally beneficial for treatment.

Overview of Exam

  • Update of medical and dental history chart
  • An examination of your oral cavity
  • Tissue and bone assessment
  • Denture stability and bite examination
  • Cleaning and polishing of your denture
  • Oral hygiene review

Tissue & Bone

Ill-fitting dentures may cause bone and tissue changes and need to be corrected for your oral health. Our practice can assess and recommend solutions to suit your personal needs.

Comfort, Fit & Integrity of Dentures

Bite problems, speech impediments and tissue irritations can be caused by an ill-fitting denture and should be remedied. Leaving this condition unchecked can lead to complicated situations in the future. Dr. Spitze can assess your dentures for cracks, chips, and broken or loose teeth and suggest solutions.