Denture Exams and MaintenanceMerritt Island, Suntree & Orlando

Effects of a Poor Fit

Dentures that do not fit properly can cause several significant issues. One of the most obvious effects of ill-fitting dentures is that they can cause you a substantial amount of pain. Your dentures already put pressure on your gums when you bite and chew. When they do not fit properly, this can create excessive pressure on different areas of your jaw. The base can also rub your gums, leading to painful sores.

Another issue caused by ill-fitting dentures is that they will not stay in place properly. This leads to more instances of your teeth coming loose or falling out completely while you are eating or speaking. Not only can this cause discomfort, but it can also cause embarrassment.

Ill-fitting dentures can also speed up the rate of bone loss in your jaw. Following tooth loss, you already begin to lose bone mass in your jaw as a result of a loss of stimulation. With ill-fitting dentures, this bone loss occurs more rapidly, which can result in the need to change your dentures more often to accommodate your changing jawbone.

Denture Maintenance at Home

Your dentures require daily maintenance at home. Every night, your dentures need to be taken out and thoroughly cleaned. Before removing them, lay a folded towel on the counter or fill your sink with water. Carefully remove your dentures. Brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture paste or soap and water. After cleaning them, set them in a glass to soak overnight. Before going to bed, make sure that you brush your healthy teeth and your gums to help keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Denture Exams

In addition to daily care, denture exams are also necessary. Denture exams are not all that different than regular dental exams. During denture exams, we examine your mouth and your dentures and update your medical and dental information. We look over your gums and assess your jawbone. We also look over the other soft tissues inside your mouth as well as your healthy teeth. Denture stability is assessed as is your bite with your current restorations. Your dentures are looked over for chips, cracks, wear, and other damage. They are also cleaned and polished, which removes plaque and bacterial buildup as well as surface stains.

What if My Dentures are Damaged or Do Not Fit?

If your dentures are damaged or do not fit properly, it is important that you schedule an appointment right away. Do not attempt to repair your dentures on your own, as this can cause further damage and affect the fit of your dentures. During your examination, we can assess the extent of the damage to determine if we can repair your dentures. If they cannot be repaired, or no longer fit properly, we can take impressions of your mouth to create a replacement.

Denture exams and maintenance are crucial for ensuring that your replacement teeth function properly and that your mouth remains healthy. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call Florida Prosthodontics at (321) 452-3388 today.