Tips for Caring For Your New Set of Dentures

Dentures can replace your teeth so that if you have, for whatever reason, lost one or more, of your adult teeth, you do not have to go through life feeling self-conscious every time that you smile. Depending on how many teeth you have lost, you can be fitted with either a full or a partial denture, which is usually a removable replacement for missing teeth. If you want to have fewer problems chewing, you may want to consider making an appointment with our office. After thoroughly examining your mouth, we will recommend the best replacement for your missing teeth.

After you get dentures, there is a relatively short breaking in period, during which you will learn how to eat, speak, and take care of your them. During this time, you will gradually get more and more comfortable.

Adhesives For Dentures

While today's dentures are far better fitting, thus more comfortable than those made even a generation ago, many people use dental adhesive even if they have a well-fitting denture. The reason for this is because many people often feel more secure with the added stability, and biting capability that an adhesive gives. However, an adhesive should never be used to fix an ill-fitting denture. Instead, visit our dental office in Tucson so that we can make the necessary adjustments. Adhesives are generally safe to use, so long as people follow a few basic common sense rules.

For example, always use the least possible amount of adhesive. People need to apply less than what they think they will need and spread it in a thin layer on a scrupulously clean denture. If, after some time, one begins to feel that a little more adhesive is necessary, then patients can always reapply more. If, after putting dentures in the mouth, the adhesive oozes out of the side, then the patient has probably put too much on the teeth incorrectly. In the case of an upper set, apply a thin strip of adhesive down the center and along each ridge. A lower set only requires a thin strip of adhesive in the very center of the ridged area.

Other facts to know about dental adhesive

The dental adhesive is also available in powder form, which has some distinct advantages over the paste. One advantage is that the powder is easier to clean off. If an individual decides to use powder, then he or she needs to sprinkle a light, but uniform, layer over the underside of the denture. Shake off any excess, and then press the denture into place.

In rare cases, people are allergic to one or more ingredients in the adhesive demonstrated by itchiness or hives. In this case, the individual needs to remove the denture immediately, thoroughly cleaning the dentures and mouth. One must not attempt to use the adhesive again, but see a dentist for advice and help.

When removing your dentures fixed with adhesive, it may help to first swish a few mouthfuls of warm water around your mouth which will help loosen the adhesive. Remove the dentures by gently wiggling them back and forth while simultaneously pulling them towards the front of your mouth. You can rub a washcloth over your gums to remove any remaining traces of adhesive, and then soak your dentures in effervescent denture tablets that are designed to clean them. For more tips on how to care for your dentures, give our office a call at (520) 722-1655.