Are you one of the millions Americans who wear a full or partial denture? If so, you know that proper denture fit and cleanliness keep your mouth healthy and functional. At Dr. Ron Williamson's office in Berkley, MI, patients learn denture care for bright, comfortable smiles.
What are dentures?
Worn by edentulous people for generations, dentures replace one, several or even all teeth on the upper and/or lower arch. Most people are familiar with the traditional partial made of a few acrylic teeth on a metal framework. Clasps or attachments hold it to remaining teeth.
Full dentures replace all teeth--either immediately, or after gums and bone have healed after dental extractions. Implant-supported dentures may be fixed or removable. Either way, they offer superior stability and strengthen the jaw bone, too.
When you come to his Berkley, MI, office, Dr. Williamson will create a denture plan right for your mouth, appearance and budget. A well-respected dental lab fabricates your appliance according to your dentist's instructions. Precision fit and quality materials ensure you of well-fitting denture which lasts with good care.
Denture care
Many denture wearers don't care for their prosthetics carefully. The results are damaged dentures, poor fit and intra-oral conditions such as stomatitis, irritated gums, and impaired biting, chewing and speech.
So, it benefits you and your smile to have a daily denture routine. Here's what the ADA recommends:
- Clean your prosthetic daily with a quality denture soak, paste or powder. Use a soft toothbrush to remove plaque and stains.
- If you take your denture out at night, keep it in water to avoid warping.
- Apply a denture adhesive or wafer to maximize denture fit and stability as needed.
- See Dr. Williamson right away if you notice changes in denture fit, see deep stains or cracks or develop sores or any degree of redness and swelling.
- Use special dental implant floss and/or a WaterPik device to keep food particles from collecting around the junctures between implants and dentures.
Most dentures perform very well for the first five years, says the ADA, but may begin to deteriorate after that. Also, your mouth, and therefore denture fit, gradually change over time. So, be sure to see Dr. Williamson and his team twice a year for a check-up and cleaning. He'll examine the condition of your denture and let you know when a re-line or new appliance is needed.
A wonderful smile
Denture wearers definitely can have one. Just take care of your mouth and your denture every day. For questions or concerns about your dentures, please contact Dr. Ron Williamson at his Berkley, MI, dental practice: (248) 399-4455.