Dentures Parsippany

How long do dentures last?

As long as you follow the aftercare and maintenance directions that we provide you with before sending you home with your restorations, they should be able to last between seven to 10 years. Unfortunately, the longer you go without the roots of your teeth, the more your jawbone will deteriorate and change the shape of your mouth—requiring you to need new restorations. For our patients who are looking for a more permanent solution, we often recommend dental implants instead.

Can I sleep with my dentures in my mouth?

We don’t recommend that you sleep with your dentures in your mouth. Each night, you should place them on your nightstand in a glass of room temperature water. This will help them maintain their custom-fitted shape so you can continue to comfortably wear them. In addition, as you’re sleeping, bacteria from your lungs can transfer onto your restorations, causing them to become a breeding ground for illness.

My dentures have a very small crack in them. Do I still need to have them repaired?

Even if you only have a miniscule or hardly noticeable crack in your dentures, it’s crucial that you bring them in so we can examine and repair them as soon as possible. Despite being small, these areas can accumulate bacteria and fungi that can make you sick and make your dentures uncomfortable to wear. To avoid infection, we recommend calling us to schedule an appointment as soon as you notice the damage.

How do I clean my gums?

With dentures, it’s not just important to take care of your restorations, it’s also vital to take proper care of your gums. After all, they’re the foundation that’s supporting your new teeth. Each time you take your dentures out of your mouth, be sure to gently clean your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a piece of sterile gauze. This will prevent infection and bad breath by clearing away bacteria and plaque.

How do I use denture adhesive?

Denture adhesive comes in many different forms and can be tricky, especially if you’ve never worked with it before. Here are a few rules-of-thumb to follow when using a denture cream:

• Thoroughly clean and dry your dentures before putting any type of adhesive on them.
• Use a small Q-Tip to hold the adhesive cream.
• With the Q-Tip with a small amount of adhesive on it, gently apply a thin layer around the edge of your dentures. Avoid putting any in the middle, because this may cause it to squish out when you put them in your mouth.
• Place the denture in your mouth and press down. The adhesive should immediately set and last you for the rest of the day.

Remember that you should only need to apply this once a day. If you believe that your dentures don’t fit you properly, contact us so we can take a look and make sure that they’re safe to use.