Dentures have been a historical solution for Americans with several missing teeth. They can help you restore your smile, allowing you to speak, eat, and show off your teeth proudly—still, they come with some downsides. If you’re tired of dentures shifting, falling, and making it harder to eat, implant anchored dentures in Nashville may be what you’re looking for.
Because they’re attached to your jawbone, implant anchored dentures offer enhanced stability. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to take care of them. Here are five fundamental care tips to ensure the durability of your attached dentures for years to come.
5 Care Tips for Your Implant Supported Dentures
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Implant supported dentures need to be cleaned regularly, just like real teeth. While dentures can’t get tooth decay like natural teeth, brushing them daily is essential for removing food particles and plaque that may cause infections in your gums and/or remaining teeth.
When cleaning them, use a non-abrasive denture cleaner and a soft-bristled toothbrush made specifically for dentures. Avoid using ordinary toothpaste since it can be too abrasive and cause surface scratches.
It’s important to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, even if you lack natural teeth. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush to prevent bacteria buildup in these areas. This will promote overall oral health while preventing bad breath.
2. Be Mindful of Your Diet
Although dentures supported by implants are more stable than conventional ones, paying attention to what you eat is still crucial. Steer clear of crunchy or hard foods that could strain your implants or harm your dentures.
Moreover, sticky candy can get stuck in your dentures and cause harm when trying to remove it, potentially damaging your prosthetics. Choose softer, easier-to-chew foods instead.
3. Avoid Whitening Products
Although it makes sense to want a white, bright smile, using whitening products on dentures supported by implants can cause several problems. Most teeth-whitening products are made for natural teeth. The materials used to make implant supported dentures are usually porcelain or acrylic, which react differently to whitening agents than enamel.
Utilizing these products may result in uneven coloration or no whitening effect. Furthermore, whitening products frequently include harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients that can scratch or erode denture surfaces. Wear, discoloration, or other damage may impact your dentures' overall look and functionality over time.
4. Stay Hydrated
People who wear dentures frequently suffer from xerostomia or dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and interfere with their ability to use them. For those who wear dentures, dry mouth can result in sores, irritations, loose dentures, and even infections.
Maintaining saliva production is crucial for oral health, and luckily, it can be fostered by staying hydrated. If you feel dry during the day, drink lots of water.
5. Conduct Regular Dental Check-ups
If you have implant supported dentures, scheduling regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups is important. Your dentist can examine the state of your dentures, implants, and surrounding gum tissue to ensure everything is in good health and operating as it should.
They can also make adjustments to your dentures if necessary.
Make Your Implant Anchored Dentures in Nashville Last
Implant supported dentures are a solution for patients with extensive tooth loss who are tired of the discomforts caused by traditional dentures. However, extending the life of your implant supported dentures depends on proper maintenance.
Committing to proper care will enhance your overall quality of life, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently. If you’re interested in learning more about how to make your dentures last longer, Nashville Dental Implants can help. Reach out and let us know how we can help you!
