What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of your smile. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and can be full or partial, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. Dentures can help you eat, speak, and smile confidently again, offering a natural-looking solution for tooth loss. Whether you need to replace a few teeth or all of them, dentures provide a reliable option to improve both your oral health and appearance.

Immediate Dentures
Immediate Dentures are dentures that are created before the teeth that are being replaced with dentures have been removed and are used immediately after tooth extraction and during the healing process, which can be six months to a year. These dentures can be more easily refitted than permanent dentures to accommodate for mouth changes as the swelling in the gums and jaw subsides while healing. Immediate dentures are replaced with permanent dentures once healing is complete.

Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant supported dentures are dentures which are anchored to the mouth by dental implants. A dental implant is a permanent fixture that is anchored to the jawbone. There are two types of implant supported dentures; removable and fixed:

• Removable Implant Supported Dentures:

  Two to four implants are placed into the jaw and a denture is fabricated to connect to the integrated implants. This type of denture can snap into and out of the implant connection and is removed every night by the patient.

• Fixed Implant Supported Dentures:

  Six to eight implants are placed in the jaw and a denture is fabricated to permanently screw into the implants. This type of denture is not removed by the patient; it can be removed by the dentist if needed. This type of denture is also referred to as a hybrid denture or “teeth in a day”.

How to Clean Your Dentures
Regardless of what kind of dentures you may have, all removable dentures need to be cleaned daily, just like regular teeth. Even though dentures are made up of artificial teeth, bacteria, plaque, and tartar still build up on them and can harm existing teeth and gums.

To clean your dentures, take them out of your mouth and run clean water over them to dislodge any food particles that may be stuck between teeth, along the gum line, or underneath the structure. Then brush the dentures all over with a denture brush or very soft toothbrush using a mild soap or denture cleaner. Be sure not to use any other cleaners, regular toothpaste, or electric toothbrushes as these are all too abrasive and can damage and wear away the denture materials. After cleaning, make sure to rinse them well.

While your dentures are out of your mouth, be sure to clean your gums and any natural teeth with a very soft and wet toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste if needed.

Preserving Your Dentures
Always remove your dentures before sleeping to avoid damaging them, dislodging them, and to allow your gums time without the denture. Submerge your dentures fully in warm, but not hot, water to keep them from drying out.

If are interested in learning more about dentures or to schedule a consultation, please do not hesitate to call us at 410-643-5500 or click here to request an appointment.