Partial dentures are a great way to address scattered tooth loss. And, with permanent and removable options, they are an ideal solution for most patients. But, if you do not know how to properly care for your partial dentures, then you may not be getting the most out of your appliance.
Dr. Gary Horblitt and his team are here to help you get a smile that benefits you. Are you ready to see if you are a good candidate for partial or full dentures? If so, then contact our dental office in Fairfield, CT, online here or at (203) 335-1011 to schedule a consultation now.
If you already have removable partial dentures (often shortened to ‘partials’), then you may be wondering how to best care for them. In this blog post, Dr. Horblitt gives you four easy tips to keep your removable appliance in working order.
Rinse Partial Dentures After Snacks and Meals
Patients should remove and rinse partials after every snack or meal. Additionally, patients should rinse them after drinking sugary, acidic, or darkly-pigmented beverages, like:
- Full-sugar beverages (including sodas and sports drinks)
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Fruit juices
As a general rule of thumb, if anything other than water passes your lips, it is best to remove and rinse your partials. Otherwise, food debris and plaque may accumulate on the appliance, eventually leading to irritation, gum disease, and dental decay.
Brush Partials Daily
While partial dentures are immune to decay, neighboring natural teeth are not. So, it is important to remove plaque and food debris on partials to protect your surrounding teeth.
Our Fairfield dentist recommends brushing your oral appliance at least once a day to prevent decay and damage. Try making it a part of your nightly routine, and be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture-safe cleansers. Check out the top denture cleansers of 2023 here.
Safely Store Partial Dentures When Not In Use
While it is tempting to slide into bed after a long day, it’s best not to fall asleep in removable partials. But, before you place your appliance on your nightstand, here’s what you need to know – partial dentures must stay moist.
A dry partial can become brittle, which makes it likely to crack. Keeping partials in a glass of water or mild cleanser overnight ensures that they stay strong and in optimal working order for several years.
Just remember – if you store your partial denture in a mild cleanser, thoroughly rinse the appliance before slipping it back into the mouth.
Visit a Dentist Regularly
Frequent trips to a dentist can help you enjoy your appliance for longer. This is because dentists can assess the fit and function of the partial while also improving the health of surrounding teeth and gum tissue.
We recommend visiting a Fairfield dentist at least twice a year to keep your smile and partial denture looking, feeling, and functioning at their best.
Ask Us If Partial Dentures Are Right For You
If you’re ready to address tooth loss, then contact Dr. Gary Horblitt in Fairfield, CT. All patients (including new patients!) can easily reach us here, or they may call (203) 335-1011 to schedule appointments.
