How To Get The Most Out Of Your Dentures
Aging gracefully comes with maintenance and care for your body. Oral care prevents many diseases, but sometimes the only solution is the removal of your teeth. Dentures restore smiles by replacing a few missing teeth or all of them. They require cleaning and replacement, but you will return to your previous lifestyle. The lifespan depends on the type purchased, your oral hygiene, and the dental specialist.
Proper Care
The first step in extending the life of your dentures is knowing how to care for them. They require daily cleaning and soaking.
- Brush twice a day – When brushing your dentures, use a tool specifically for artificial teeth. You can remove light staining by adding baking soda to the cleanser.
- Use specified cleansers – Dentures are a form of a prosthetic and require specific cleansers. Consult with your denture specialist to determine what solution you should be used for brushing and soaking.
- Soak every night – You will want to take your dentures out nightly and soak them while you sleep. This is also a good time to brush your gums. The solution removes germs that build up throughout the day.
- Visit the dentist – Getting dentures does not remove the need for regular check-ups by your dentist. These visits are when stains and alignment issues are addressed. Finally, if any repairs are needed, the dentist needs to perform them to prevent further damage.
- Whiten when necessary – Dentures will become discolored when foods with coloring agents are consumed in bulk. Coffee and tea stain artificial teeth faster than your natural set. Dentists need to perform the whitening, as over-the-counter agents often are unsafe for prosthetics.
Selecting a Denture Specialist
Denture specialists have extensive training and possess the experience to care for people who have lost teeth. They manage the evaluations, fitting, and providing resources to their patients. Most insurances assist with the cost of the prosthetics, but they expect you to be responsible for them. Therefore, it is important to be selective when choosing the right specialist for your needs.
Questions to ask include:
- What type of dentures is right for me?
- What are your experience and training?
- Do you have references I can talk to?
- What is the cost and warranty on my dentures?
- How do I go about getting adjustments or repairs performed?
- What costs should I expect in the upkeep of my dentures?
Finally, always get a referral from your dentist to assist with insurance coverage. This referral will also help in selecting a denture provider, as they will be registered with the state.
Reach out to local denture specialists to learn more.