Your dentures are an investment and require care and attention. Your Denturist can assist in maintaining your denture(s) and oral tissues so they stay in a sound healthy condition and provide optimal performance. The fit and function of your dentures and oral tissues are an integral part of your well-being. An annual examination by your Denturist will ensure peace of mind. 

Care and Maintenance entails  

• Medical and dental history chart updating 
• An examination of your oral cavity as well as your head and neck region  
• Tissue and bone assessment  
• Denture stability, structural integrity of your denture and bite
• Clean and polish your denture at your request
• Review oral hygiene care
• Counsel you concerning any procedures, present or future.

Medical and Dental History

Updating your medical and dental history is a significant segment of your patient files. Changes in your medical and or dental health may affect the fit and function of your dentures.

Examination of Oral Cavity

The physical and digital examination of your neck and head as well as an intra-oral examination forms an important part of mapping your Oral Health. Annual examinations can assist in detecting any manifestation of oral abnormalities. Early detection and referral of pathology can impact the outcome of treatment and even your longevity.

Tissue and Bone

Changes in the denture-bearing soft tissue and underlying bone structure can occur for a number of reasons. Severe cases of ill-fitting dentures may cause further bone and tissue changes. Your Denturist can assess and recommend solutions for you to consider.

Fit and Feel of your Dentures

Incorrectly designed or poorly fitting dentures can both lead to bite problems, denture instability speech impediments, and tissue irritation. Leaving such condition unchecked can in future lead to preventable complications and expenditure.

Checking your Dentures for Structural Integrity

Your Denturist can assess your dentures for cracks, chips, and broken or loose teeth. The Denturist will advise you regarding a course of action to remedy the situation.

Education of denture wearers

Apart from after-delivery services to assure good fit and denture satisfaction, Denturists also provide education to denture wearers on how to clean and care for their dentures and mouth cleaning-procedures. Similarly denture wearers need to understand the reaction of their oral tissues to new dentures, how to deal with denture related complications and how to accommodate allergic reactions.

Cleaning of dentures

It's important to regularly remove plaque and food deposits from your dentures, because unclean dentures can also lead to bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay and oral thrush. Daily soaking and cleaning is needed for all types of full and partial dentures. Soaking your denture in a fizzy solution of denture-cleaning tablets will eliminate stains and bacterial build up (follow the manufacturer's instructions). There are many brands of commercial denture cleaners available on the market. Your Denturist may advise you in choosing one that will be efficient and affordable for your application. 

• After soaking, use liquid dishwasher detergent on a denture brush to clean your dentures.  
• Soft liners are more porous and may need more aggressive brushing with tooth paste.
• Take note that toothpaste contains abrasive fillers that will scratch the hard surfaces of dentures and should only be used for soft liners.  
• NEVER use bleach or pour boiling hot water on your dentures!  
• Keeping your mouth clean is just as important when you wear dentures.  Plaque can still build up in the oral cavity, even without having natural teeth left. You should brush your remaining teeth, gums and tongue every morning and evening with fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other potential dental conditions. Your gums and tongue should be brushed gently with a soft brush. This will also stimulate blood circulation in the soft mucosa, which may be inhibited by wearing a denture.

Practical tip:

Costly and inconvenient Repairs can be prevented by taking precaution during the cleaning process. Pour some water in the wash basin and place a small towel over the edge of the basin to cushion the denture, when it slips out of your hand and falls, during the cleansing procedures.