How will I know when I need dentures?

There are many signs that it’s time to consider a set of dentures. If you have loose or moving teeth, a history of poor dental hygiene, missing teeth, trouble eating or chewing, and red, swollen gums, make an appointment at our Urbandale office for a consultation with our team.

What is the average cost of dentures?

The cost of dentures varies widely based on the kind of dentures you get, the time required to finish your treatment, and your personal dental insurance plan. When we determine that you’ll need dentures, our team will go over all of your options with you to ensure there are no surprises.

How do I care for my dentures?

Keeping your dentures clean is vital to your overall oral health. To care for your dentures, brush them once or twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, water, and a denture-cleaning solution. Most toothpaste brands contain ingredients that are too abrasive for removable teeth. You’ll also need to ocean your dentures each night after removal. Remove them, gently brush them, and soak them in lukewarm water or denture solution overnight.

How can I make sure my dentures stay in place?

You may have heard that a set of dentures can slip easily as you eat and speak. At Hickman Family Dental, we’ll always do our best to customize your dentures to your specific needs. Aside from cleaning them and caring for them regularly, using a denture adhesive can help them stay firmly in place. Also, remove your dentures at night so your mouth has some time to recover.

Denture Care | Best Dentist in Urbandale, IA

Our Urbandale, IA Dentist Guides You in Maintaining Your Custom Dentures

Dentures are an excellent option for replacing teeth. However, without proper maintenance, they can become uncomfortable and ill-fitting, causing damage to your gums and any remaining teeth. Make sure to follow the denture care instructions given to you by our dentist, ensuring your dentures stay in great shape and last as long as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about your denture care, contact our Urbandale, IA dentist at Hickman Family Dental today by calling (515) 276-4981.

How to Maintain and Clean Your Dentures

Proper maintenance of dentures is essential for their longevity, and to ensure they continue to function properly. Dr. Erickson recommends doing the following to properly care for your dentures.

Clean Dentures Daily

Dentures should be cleaned daily to remove food particles and prevent the buildup of bacteria. Use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle soap or denture cleanser to clean the denture thoroughly. Make sure to avoid using harsh soap or toothpaste, as these can damage your dentures. Rinse dentures before placing them back into the mouth.

Handle With Care

Dentures are delicate and can be easily damaged if handled roughly. When cleaning them, be sure to handle your dentures carefully to avoid scratching, damaging, or breaking them.

Soak Them Overnight

Soak dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution overnight can help remove bacteria and keep them clean. However, make sure you follow instructions for soaking dentures and never use hot water, as it can cause your dentures to warp.

Store Them Properly

Dentures should be stored in a clean, dry container when not in use. Make sure the container has a lid and is placed in a safe location where it won’t be accidentally dropped or knocked over.

Repair When Needed

If a denture is damaged or not fitting properly, visit our Urbandale, IA dentist to have it repaired. If you try to fix broken dentures yourself it can cause further damage and potentially render the denture unusable.

Keep Your Mouth Clean

Just because you have dentures doesn’t mean you should neglect your oral hygiene. Brush your gums, tongue, and remaining natural teeth with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day. This will help prevent gum disease and other oral health problems that weaken dentures.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health, even if you have dentures. Our dentist can check your dentures for any signs of wear or damage, as well as examine your gums and remaining natural teeth. We may also recommend adjustments or replacements if necessary.

When to Replace Your Dentures

Knowing when it’s time to replace your dentures is crucial for maintaining your oral health and comfort. Common signs that your dentures need replacement include:

Visible Wear: Check for signs of wear and tear, including cracks, chips, or worn-down teeth. These can impact both the function and appearance of your dentures.
Loose Fit: If your dentures no longer fit snugly or comfortably, it may be time for a replacement. An ill-fitting denture can lead to sore spots and difficulties with eating and speaking.
Discomfort or Irritation: If you experience persistent discomfort, soreness, or irritation while wearing your dentures, consult your dentist. This could be due to changes in your mouth or the condition of your dentures.
Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: Difficulty in chewing or speaking, even after adjustments, may indicate that your dentures are no longer effective.

If you’re experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, contact our dentist in Urbandale, IA today at (515) 276-4981 to schedule an appointment. We’ll examine your dentures and recommend the best course of action.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it’s not recommended to use regular toothpaste to clean your dentures. Regular toothpaste can be abrasive and damage the surface of the dentures, causing scratches and creating places where bacteria can accumulate. Instead, denture wearers should use a cleaner specifically designed for dentures, which is gentler and more effective in removing stains, bacteria, and food particles from the denture surface.

It may take some time to get used to wearing dentures, especially if you’re new to them. You may experience some discomfort or soreness in the first few weeks you wear dentures, but this should improve as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions and wear your dentures as directed to help your mouth adapt to the change.

To prevent your dentures from becoming stained, you should avoid drinking dark-colored liquids like coffee, tea, red wine, and fruit juices. You should also avoid smoking, as it can cause discoloration and stains on your dentures.

Visit Hickman Family Dental for a Long-Lasting Smile

At Hickman Family Dental, we believe that denture care is essential to ensuring optimal oral health and quality of life for our patients. We recommend that patients clean their dentures regularly, avoid staining foods and beverages, and visit our office at least once a year for a checkup and adjustment.

If you’re looking for comprehensive dental care for your dentures, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us today by calling our Urbandale, IA dental office at (515) 276-4981.

Denture Care in Urbandale, IA