Sedation Clinics
Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for rebuilding smiles after tooth loss because of their many advantages. Not only can a single prosthetic fully replace your missing teeth, but it can also enhance your appearance to boost your abilities and self-confidence.
However, it’s important to maintain your dentures properly to continue making the most of them. Continue reading to learn about three habits you might have that could harm your restoration so you can avoid them!
Harmful Habit #1: Using Teeth as Tools
Have you ever bitten down on the corner of a package or envelope to tear it open? Or have you ever anxiously nibbled a pen cap or other inanimate object? If so, you could be putting your new grin at risk.
Your restoration is made from resilient ceramic, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. If you bite into anything overly hard, you could chip or crack the pontics (artificial teeth) or the acrylic base. To keep your dentures in great shape, avoid using them as tools. Taking a few minutes to locate a pair of scissors, box opener, or other appropriate device can help safeguard your smile.
Harmful Habit #2: Sleeping in Them
It often takes about a month for patients’ mouths to acclimate to supporting dentures all day, but once they do, they might feel so comfortable that they forget they’re wearing them! If you’ve had a long, busy day, you might accidentally fall into bed without removing them first.
While this might be acceptable occasionally, it’s generally recommended that you take your restoration out for bed. They press firmly against your gums to remain in place all day, and your connective tissues deserve a break. Otherwise, you could develop sores or gum disease, making wearing your new teeth incredibly uncomfortable. To preserve their shape and kill up to 99% of germs, leave them in a glass of water or a special soaking solution overnight.
Harmful Habit #3: Skipping Dental Visits
Many patients mistakenly assume that if they no longer have natural teeth, they don’t need to visit their dentist for routine checkups. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth! Your prosthetics trap germs against your gums throughout the day. If bacteria penetrate the tender tissues, you could develop periodontal problems that can impact your jawbone and enter your bloodstream, contributing to other more serious medical concerns.
Seeing your dentist every six months for a routine checkup allows them to catch and address any issues before they can progress.
Making a few slight adjustments to your daily behaviors can help keep your dentures looking and feeling great for years!
About the Practice
At Dental Wellness of Lexington, people of all ages benefit from a team of experts who deliver quality, courteous care. They offer a full array of services to meet you and your family’s needs conveniently under one roof. They enjoy getting to know you and your unique needs so they can devise fully personalized treatment plans to meet them. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. If you’re worried about the state of your dentures, you can request an appointment on the website or call (859) 223-4644.