Dry Dentures Not Only Hurt, They Are Also More Fragile

Whether you’ve worn dentures for years or you’re very new to the idea of prosthetic teeth, one of the most important things that we tell all of our patients is to keep your dentures moist when you’re not wearing them. Soaking them overnight is the best solution to keeping them moist, and even if you occasionally forget, that can be fixed. Today, let’s answer the question of “Why?” it’s important to keep your dentures moist.

When Dentures Dry Out

Dentures are made from a special acrylic compound that while it appears to be rigid and hard, it needs water to help it keep its shape. That’s correct; dentures that dry out lose their shape! When this happens, the dentures may not fit correctly in your mouth any longer, which can cause not only pain but bone deterioration in your jaw as well. In addition to the pain caused by ill-fitting dentures, they become brittle. If your dentures are dry and you accidentally drop them in your sink or onto the floor, they may break and need to be replaced.

Leaving your dentures out for a few hours is not a problem; generally, they can be rehydrated simply by putting them back into your mouth again. However, if you’ve left them out overnight, your best option is probably to soak your dentures in water for at least an hour before placing them in your mouth. This will allow them to moisten up again and ensure a good fit in your mouth. If you have unfortunately allowed your dentures to dry out to the point that they’ve warped out of shape, then please call our office right away.

Our dentists will examine your dentures to see if they can be restored or if they need to be replaced. We are always here for you if you have any problems, questions or concerns about your dentures.

Do All Dentures Give You That Sunken Face Appearance?

A set of denttures soaking in a glass of water

Missing teeth can have a huge impact on your appearance, but so can inexpensive dentures or dentures that are improperly fitted. If you’re going to restore your smile, but wanting to avoid a sunken look, then look no further. Your Martinsville, NJ orthodontist is here to help you make the best choices that will not only improve your appearance but your overall oral health.

Avoid Ill-fitting Dentures

One of the most common concerns that people come to us with is the fear that they will have a sagging face, sunken lips, and appear older than they truly are. This is an understandable concern because most dentures do not completely replace the fullness that comes from a healthy jaw and a full set of teeth.

Dentures that are too short will cause the lips and cheeks to fold in creating a sunken look and improperly fitted ones can cause bone deterioration which will also change the shape of your face. We believe that the best way to begin to restore your appearance is with properly fitted dentures.

Get Regular Checkups to Check the Fit of Your Dentures

Close monitoring and checkups will help your cosmetic dentist make sure that your dentures continue to fit your mouth perfectly. We check for changes in the shape of your jaw as well as check the status of your dentures. This will help keep your remaining natural teeth in alignment and your jawbone will maintain its density for a longer period of time.

Our skilled staff would like to encourage you to not live with ill-fitting dentures that negatively affect your appearance and sabotage your oral health. Please give our office a call and set up a consultation with your next checkup so that we can evaluate your situation and get you back on the road to a healthier, more youthful appearance. We would like to help you maintain your best smile and we look forward to hearing from you soon.