Partial and full dentures restore oral function, preserve facial appearance and allow people to eat and speak normally. This appliances need regular care so they keep doing their jobs. Drs. Carolyn and Walter McGinn craft state of the art dentures for their patients in Putnam. Plus, they help patients with regular at-home and in-office care so dentures stay bright and functional as long as possible.
Plenty of Dentures
The American College of Prosthodontists states that 178 million people in the United States alone have lost at least one natural tooth. That’s a lot of missing teeth and a huge need for tooth replacement.
Many dental patients elected to replace their missing teeth with traditional partial or full dentures. Made from natural looking acrylic (along with metal in the case of partial dentures), these artificial teeth restore facial appearance, speech and the ability to bite and chew foods.
Dentures Need In-office Care
Just like natural teeth, full and partial dentures need proper care. Your Putnam dentists request that denture patients visit the dental office twice a year for routine check-ups and cleanings. Included in a six-month visit is a careful check of the condition and fit of any prosthetic teeth.
For instance, partial dentures are held to adjoining teeth with metal clasps. The dentist checks to make sure the clasps fit the teeth properly and that the appliance itself is intact and not warped or misshapen in any way.
With full dentures, the dentist assesses the appliance for proper fit and condition as well. Because traditional full denture are secured by the mouth’s natural suction, excellent fit is essential to avoid sore spots and to ensure clear speech and proper chewing and biting.
Traditional dentures have a certain shelf life. Ten years is typical, and Dr. McGinn tells patients that diligent care at-home extends the life of any denture.
Dentures Need At-home Care
While dentures are not real teeth, they need real care at home everyday. Dr. McGinn suggests the following practices to keep dentures intact and your mouth healthy as you wear your artificial teeth.
- Rinse your dentures after each meal to remove food residues. Rinse and cleanse your mouth as well.
- Take your dentures out at night to allow your oral tissues to rest and avoid irritation.
- Brush dentures at least daily with a soft denture brush and ADA-approved denture paste. Regular toothpastes are too abrasive for dentures and can scratch the surfaces.
- When you care for your dentures, place a towel or washcloth in the sink in case you drop them.
- Soak your dentures in an approved soak to remove bacteria and to prevent warping.
- If you chip or crack a denture, contact Dr. McGinn right away for advice and to arrange for repair. Be sure to keep any fragments and bring them to the office.
Keep that Nice Smile
You can when you care for your dentures regularly. If you have questions or concerns about your dentures, or are due for your semi-annual check-up, contact Dr. Carolyn McGinn and Dr. Walter McGinn for an appointment.