Common questions we get about dentures.
Why do dentures get loose over time?
There are many reasons why dentures get loose over time but the most common reason is weight loss. Losing seven to ten pounds can cause the fat in the gum tissue in your mouth to get skinnier too which will lead to looser fitting dentures.
Another reason why dentures get loose is when the patient wears their denture to sleep at night. Wearing dentures to sleep is not advisable as this could cause flattening of the bone which causes dentures to become loose.
Dentures are not meant to last forever so plan on replacing them approximately every ten years.
What can be done when dentures get loose?
We usually recommend trying denture adhesive as a first step. We recommend Dr. Berland’s Adhesadent Denture Adhesive as it’s FDA approved, has no taste, we approve of the ingredients and doesn’t dry out the tissues. If denture adhesive does not work, we usually do a denture reline. We use a product by Voco called Ufi Gel SC, it’s a soft reline and it instantly tightens the loose dentures.
We only resort to new dentures if using adhesives and a reline can no longer work.
How should dentures be cleaned?
Dentures should always be removed every night and left in water with either a liquid cleanser or a tablet. If the denture has a soft reline like Voco, soak it with a cleanser for a maximum of ten minutes to prevent damage to the reline material. We also recommend using a very soft brush to remove small particles before soaking the denture in water.
Is there another downside when leaving the dentures overnight?
Yes, aside from becoming loose, leaving the dentures in overnight can cause yeast and bacteria to form that can spread to the tongue and throat which can be very difficult to treat. Remember that bacteria in your mouth can travel down your throat into your body which may cause other issues and wreak havoc to your systemic health.
A healthy mouth leads to a healthy body. Brush your gums and tongue every night and use a mouth rinse. We recommend CloSys Mouthwash because it is PH balanced and gentle to the most sensitive of mouths. CloSys Mouthwash kills the bad bacteria while keeping the good bacteria such as those that aid in digestion.
Are all dentures created the same?
No, dentures come in all quality with different price points. Make sure to ask for dentures that look like teeth else they may look fake. If you are looking to get partial dentures, you want them to match your remaining teeth. The only exception we make is if there are only a few teeth left and the patient wants the denture to be a little whiter and doesn’t mind a few teeth looking a bit different. If you are unsure of how you want your dentures, don’t worry, we will help you make all the decisions along the way.
Why are dentures so expensive?
There are a lot of processes involved when making dentures, it also takes years of experience and a special skill set to create good quality ones. If your dentist fabricates less than 10 or so every year, you might want to look for someone who fabricates dentures on a regular basis.
We have a lab fee that varies, we only use labs close to our practices so that we can closely monitor quality and efficiency. We use only the best teeth and high-quality acrylic. Adjustment visits also take time, travel, and experience but most of all patience.
My dentist said that my bones are resorbed but I still want dentures.
In this case, you will need to use denture adhesives. Be advised that you will need to reapply the adhesive a few times throughout the day but this will not guarantee that the dentures will fit tight.
Can my family member with Alzheimer’s disease be fitted for new dentures?
That would depend on whether they can follow directions and cooperate for the fitting. We however are unable to promise that even when we make well-fitted dentures the patient will wear them.
Some Alzheimer’s or dementia patients can’t get used to anything new, especially in their mouths. If they lost the denture that they used every day before their cognitive decline, we can absolutely try but again, we are unable to guarantee. Keep in mind that the patient needs to get used to the dentures, it may be difficult for some, and we do not want to waste your time and money. We will advise you at the consultation visit as to whether this can work for the patient.
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