Three Tips on How to Keep Your Dentures Clean at Home

Multiple missing teeth can drastically impact an individual’s oral health and age the natural structure of their face. Dentures are an innovative, simple solution to replace missing teeth or teeth that are damaged beyond repair. At Cape Cod Dental, Dr. Fadi Zaknoun works with men and women throughout Wareham, MA to provide fuller, radiant smiles via highly tailored dental restorations, including partial or full dentures.

What are dentures?

Dentures are custom-fit dental restorations made up of tooth-colored, medical-grade materials. When securely fit to the gums, dentures are a suitable replacement for full sets of teeth along the upper arch, lower arch, or both. At Cape Cod Dental, Dr. Zaknoun offers a variety of denture options depending on each patient’s unique needs and dental preferences. During the initial consultation, Dr. Zaknoun takes the time to carefully assess the current status of each patient’s teeth to determine if dentures are the appropriate restorative intervention.

Types of dentures available to our patients

At Cape Cod Dental, we have the following dentures available for our patients:

• Partial removable dentures
• Full removable dentures
• Implant-supported dentures

Each type of denture comes with unique benefits. Removable dentures make cleaning and oral hygiene simple; however, the patient will need to re-apply denture adhesive for a secure fit. Iimplant-supported dentures are screwed into the jawbone via titanium posts, which offers a reliable fit for chewing in speaking. On the other hand, patients need to plan for the surgical and recovery processes for implants. Consult with Dr. Zaknoun about the benefits of each denture and what would be the best match for you.

Am I an ideal candidate for dentures?

You may be a viable candidate for dentures if you:

• Have multiple missing teeth
• Need numerous teeth extracted
• Have full sets of missing teeth
• Have healthy gums
• Have sturdy oral structures to support dentures

Dr. Zaknoun will assess your teeth and examine your dental history to ascertain if dentures are appropriate for you. Patients with active gum infections, oral diseases, or a necrotic jawbone will need to resolve these issues first.

How the fitting process works for dentures

Each patient comes to Cape Cod Dental for a scheduled fitting appointment. Dr. Zaknoun takes digital impressions of the mouth, which are sent to our laboratory to develop customized dentures. For patients who select implant-supported dentures, titanium implants will need to be surgically placed in the jawbone. Prior to surgery, Dr. Zaknoun will numb the gums and jawbone or provide sedation to ease patients during the procedure. After several weeks to a few months, the dental implants adhere to the jawbone, and patients return to our office to be fitted for their new dentures. No matter which denture model is selected, Dr. Zaknoun takes the time to properly secure the dentures to ensure a comfortable and functional fit.

Caring for your oral health after dentures

Once you’ve received your new dentures, it is essential to optimize your dental routine to care for your restorations and natural oral structures. While dentures improve chewing and speaking capacities, the risk for decay and oral infection remains the same without a consistent dental hygiene routine. Consider applying the following tips:

• Brush and floss natural teeth twice daily
• Utilize mouth rinse to remove harmful bacteria
• Minimize sugar intake
• Eat healthy, nutritious foods
• Attend routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings
• Regularly clean your dentures according to our recommended instructions

Tips on how to keep your dentures clean at home

With the right cleaning routine, dentures can last many years before requiring repair or replacement. To get the most mileage out of your dentures, keep the restorations clean by:

• Removing the dentures to soak and sanitize with a soft bristle brush
• Carefully scrubbing away any denture adhesive
• Storing the dentures in a safe area while not in use

Learn more about dentures and cleaning new restorations for improved oral health

If you reside in or near Wareham, MA, and would like to learn more about fittings for our available dentures and other dental restorations, contact us at Cape Cod Dental and schedule an appointment today. Dr. Fadi Zaknoun and his team look forward to serving you and helping you attain a fuller, natural-looking smile.