At McIntosh Dental we have been creating quality dentures for our patients for over 25 years. That’s a lot of dentures! Each and every set – whether they are partial, full or implant-retained dentures – are crafted specifically to be as functional, lifelike and comfortable as possible to be a great substitute for your natural teeth. But because dentures are made of plastic, they need to be treated quite differently to natural teeth. Here are our top frequently asked questions for cleaning and repairing dentures.
What is best for cleaning and storing dentures?
Use a nonabrasive denture paste and a soft toothbrush for cleaning dentures. Although dentures are made from strong, durable plastic it is not as strong as the enamel of teeth. Regular toothpaste can be too harsh and abrasive and can contain materials that can scratch the plastic. Brush every surface of the denture, scrubbing gently. Store your dentures in a water-based cleaning solution overnight as recommended by your dentist or denture technician. Following your dentist’s cleaning and storage recommendations will help to prevent your dentures from becoming permanently stained and will keep your mouth healthy.
Can yellowing or stained dentures be whitened?
The best way to keep dentures unstained and bright is to establish a good cleaning routine right from the start, as recommended by your dentist or denture technician. They cannot be whitened in the same way as teeth as they are made of plastic, and hard scrubbing or abrasive products can damage them. Your dentist can also recommend appropriate denture-cleaning products that can be safely used to remove most stains. They can also use in-clinic specialised treatments to carefully remove stubborn or in-depth stains without causing damage.
Can I glue broken dentures back together?
Trying to fix broken dentures yourself is a bad idea! Adhesives like superglue can be toxic. Using DIY repair kits will not give you a good result as the bite of the dentures will be compromised, making chewing difficult and causing discomfort and irritation by unevenly wearing on your gums. All too often we see patients who have attempted to fix their broken denture at home with disastrous results. If you have had to do a quick, temporary fix yourself make sure you follow up with an appointment to your dentist or denture technician for a permanent repair.
Why do dentures break?
Dentures are made of very strong, durable plastic but this is not nearly as strong as our natural tooth enamel. They are designed for everyday chewing and biting, but they will naturally deteriorate over time. On average, most patients wear a set of dentures for five to seven years before they will need replacing – although proper care and cleaning is essential for making them last.
Why do dentures have to be stored in water or denture solution?
They are made from an acrylic material that needs moisture to retain their shape. While you are wearing them, the saliva in your mouth keeps them moist. But when you take them out at night it’s essential to store them in water or denture solution as recommended by your dentist/denture technician so they do not dry out, losing their shape and becoming brittle and uncomfortable to wear.
Contact us today to find out more about our quality dentures that will restore your smile and give you back your quality of life.
