Wearing Dentures: A New Chapter in Your Oral Health Journey
Congratulations on Your New Dentures!
Fantastic news! You’ve begun wearing dentures, and they’re fitting well. You’re eating comfortably and smiling with confidence. However, this isn’t the time to become complacent about your oral health. Maintaining regular check-ups is crucial for those wearing dentures.
Often denture patients consider their new dentures an excuse to forego regular dental check-ups, but nothing could be further from the truth! Regular check-ups are just as important for denture wearers as they are for those with natural teeth.
My denture-wearing patients are my heroes in life. I am constantly astounded that many edentulous patients (without natural teeth) eat, drink, breathe and live life to the fullest, despite having a plastic and metal prosthetic in their mouth.
Maintaining Oral Health Whilst Wearing Dentures
Regular Check-ups
I advise my denture patients to have the same regular check-ups as they did when they had their natural teeth. Oral health is more than just about your teeth after all! A preventative check-up every 6 months will enable you to ensure that your mouth and dentures are healthy and in good working function.
Denture Maintenance
Just like natural teeth, dentures require regular maintenance. Wearing dentures doesn’t exempt you from plaque and bacteria build-up. Regular check-ups allow your practitioner to assess your dentures and remove any accumulation.
It’s crucial to clean your dentures after every meal when wearing dentures. Use a soft toothbrush to give them a thorough scrub after food and drink. This practice helps maintain good oral health and prevents bad breath.
Ensuring a Proper Fit
A denture should always feel like it fits snugly, if it becomes a little loose or slips, your denture probably requires a ‘reline’ of the fitting denture base. We can often complete this procedure on the same day to minimise any inconvenience.
Partial Denture Considerations
Even if you’re wearing partial dentures, ill-fitting prosthetics can compromise your remaining teeth or cause ulceration, gum disease, and bone loss. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your overall oral health.
In extreme cases, ill-fitting dentures may contribute to oral cancer. Regular check-ups include oral cancer screenings, reducing your risk and ensuring optimal comfort and oral health.
Loving Your Smile While Wearing Dentures
At Dental Fresh, we occasionally see patients who feel self-conscious about wearing dentures, either due to aesthetics or fit. Some have been given dentures that look unnatural, resembling a ‘white picket fence’. However, this isn’t the best you can hope for!
Our highly skilled technicians at Dental Fresh are proud of their ability to create dentures for our patients that look natural and give you a smile that is real! Wearing dentures shouldn’t mean compromising on aesthetics.
Loose-fitting dentures are unnecessary. When wearing dentures, you should expect a snug fit that doesn’t cause worry about your teeth slipping when you laugh, smile, or eat.
Modern Alternatives to Traditional Dentures
All-On-4 and Dental Implants
Modern dental techniques now offer permanent alternatives for those wearing dentures. All-On-4 and dental implants provide an experience as close to natural teeth as possible. If you’re curious about whether implants might work for you, we’re happy to discuss your options.
Remember, wearing dentures doesn’t mean the end of your dental care journey. It’s a new chapter that requires ongoing attention and care. By maintaining regular check-ups and following proper denture care routines, you can enjoy a healthy, comfortable smile for years to come.
Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656. We’ll be happy to help answer your questions about wearing dentures and explore the best options for your oral health.
References:
Australian Dental Association: Oral cancer
Mayo Clinic: Denture Care
