How to Take Care of Suction Dentures
Suction dentures are relatively new and it's simply a redesign of the old dentures built from the base up. It largely results from the way the impression is taken to improve a natural fit which increases the suction of the dentures. It is brought to Canada from Japan from a prosthodontist, Dr. Jiro Abe. Its revolutionary design does not float or wobble like traditional dentures do. They build on suction and will not move as easily while improving patient comfort and helping you throughout your day.
But how do you take care of suction dentures? How do you clean suction dentures? These are very important questions. There's no point in investing in your suction dentures and your health if they can be accidentally or easily damaged. Here's a little info on how to take care of suction dentures and what sort of expectation you should have on what's required day to day to keep them in top functional shape.
How to remove your suction dentures
It is generally important to remove your dentures every night to let your gums rest from all the pressure and load it endures from the denture. The best way to loosen up the seal of the suction dentures is imagining yourself being a puffer fish. Having your lips closed tightly, you want to force as much air as you can into your mouth to create air pockets between the denture and your gums. Another way is by pulling your tongue back to the throat so that the floor of the mouth lifts and creates a gap. Other traditional ways to remove the denture is to pull slowly at the borders of your denture with a rocking motion to introduce air gaps underneath the dentures. If this is your first time with dentures, the concept of removing your dentures out will eventually become second nature.
Always remove your dentures in the washroom
To avoid accidentally dropping your dentures or having them hit the floor and get dirty, it is highly recommended you remove your dentures in the washroom. A lot of people will fill the sink with warm water and remove them over the sink. Or placing a towel underneath where you will remove your dentures that way, if they fall, they will land on something soft.
Do not use any object to force denture removal
The only things that should be helping you to remove your dentures are your own mouth, cheeks, tongue and fingers. Otherwise, no object should be used. Using other objects can cause injury and can potentially damage your dentures.
Keep them moist
Don't let your suction dentures dry out often. As the material dries out again and again, the integrity of the denture could weaken. Once weaken the chances of the denture fracturing or cracking increases. For this reason, you always want to keep them moist. When they're not in your mouth, soak them or store them in a denture cleanser solution. This is ideal to do overnight. Please note that you shouldn't ever submerge dentures in extremely hot water. Hot water can soften the denture allowing it to change its shape and warp.
Why we clean our dentures every day
Dentures act just like natural teeth. Plaque and tartar can build up on dentures just like teeth, causing stains, bad breath, and gum infections. Furthermore, plaque that builds up on dentures can spread to natural teeth and gums, causing gum disease and cavities. This is precisely why cleaning your dentures is so important. The risk to your suction dentures is minimal compared to what can happen to the status of your own oral health.
Do not use toothpaste or abrasives
If you want to get in there and really give those dentures a good cleaning, use a denture brush or soft-bristle toothbrush in tandem with a mild soap or denture toothpaste. You don't want to use regular toothpaste or any household cleaners. This stuff will be too harsh to use on the denture and if left unclean can harm your gums in the mouth. You will have to use the right brush and gently go over all surfaces including underneath where bacteria's most likely to collect. After you're done, rinse your dentures under water before putting them back in your mouth.
How dentures break
Dentures often break from falls, sneezes, and from dogs. More often than not, stories of people falling or tripping and from the sudden movement the dentures come out and smack the floor hard. Sneezes can also be a big culprit of loosening the dentures in the mouth and come flying out to hit whatever or worse, whoever is in the way. Dogs have also been known to find your dentures and chew through them. Dentures don't need to be handled like a fragile glass heirloom but they do require some TLC. So, if you have children or pets, beware about where you put your suction dentures overnight or whenever they're not in the mouth.
Inspect regularly
At least once a month, give your dentures a solid look in terms of identifying any cracks or damage. If you find any, schedule an appointment with your denturist. Either way, you'll want to check in with your denturist at least once a year like you normally would. Remember, our mouths are always changing. Suction dentures may need re-adjustment and relining from time to time, to ensure and solid yet comfy fit. No one wants poorly fitted dentures which can cause sores and embarrassment. If they're uncomfortable or starting to really show signs of wear, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
What's the result?
If you follow all these relatively simple instructions your suction dentures should remain in the best possible condition for a long time to come. They should fit comfortably and firmly!
Are you looking to get set up with suction dentures? Once you have them, you'll be so thankful you made the move. Imagine it, a denture that does not move! Any and all daily functions of teeth, tongue, cheeks, and lips are retained when you have high quality suction dentures in place. Contact a St. Catharines denturist and get set up with an initial consultation to determine if you're a candidate for lower suction dentures.
