Dentures

Are you wondering about dentures and whether you or a loved one may need them? Come see a specialist dentures dentist in San Diego, California. Taly Dental has the advanced technology, expert staff, and holistic approach to make the dentures process as smooth and comfortable as possible from your very first visit.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are a common oral health solution to missing teeth, given that 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Many people may need or could use dentures in all age ranges for a variety of reasons. Dentures are appliances inserted into the mouth to fit snugly over the gums to replace natural teeth and support facial muscles for the cheeks and lips.

Denture Care

Dentures may look like regular teeth, but care is a little different. Instead of regular toothpaste, use a denture cream with a soft denture toothbrush and rinse with cold water, since dentures can warp if placed in hot water. Cover dentures with water or denture cleaner when they are out of your mouth; you don't want your dentures drying out.

Your dentist will give you specific instructions about your denture care, but the most important thing to remember is that having dentures doesn’t excuse you from oral health responsibilities. Even if you have complete dentures, you need to still regularly visit the dentist (not just when something goes wrong). And if something does go wrong, come to the dentist rather than trying to fix anything yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do dentures feel?

Dentures feel normal after an adjustment period, since they are meant to replace natural teeth and provide a comparable level of support. When you initially get dentures, they may feel awkward and loose since your muscles haven’t practiced keeping them in place yet. Temporary changes like increased saliva flow or minor irritation and soreness are normal during the transition. If your dentures don’t feel right or you have abnormalities including excessive or persistent discomfort with your dentures, dentists are the best resource to provide assistance and advice, with adjustment if necessary.

How often should I wear them?

The general rule for dentures is that they should be worn as much as possible when awake and then should be out of the mouth to soak when you are asleep. Always follow the recommendations of your dentist, since their advice will be personalized to you and will help you reach optimal oral health and functionality.

Do I put them in wet or dry?

Put your dentures in wet. Dentures should be soaking in water when they are out of your mouth, and it’s best to let them stay wet when you put them in. Keeping dentures appropriately moist helps them to keep their shape and effectiveness as long as possible.

Can I sleep with dentures in?

While it is physically possible to sleep with dentures in, it is generally not recommended. Dentures should be soaked in water when you sleep. Sleeping with your dentures still in your mouth can weaken your dentures, plus give you bad breath because of extra bacteria buildup.