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2-4-Denture Care
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Section Completed! Solutions for Cracked Dentures
Chipped teeth and fractured/cracked dentures can be easily fixed by a dentist. Sometimes it is better to make new dentures, depending on the extent of the damage. Discuss options with a dentist.
Chewing Function
A chipped tooth on a denture reduces its chewing function and may create sharp edges.
- Worn down teeth (yellow arrow on top picture) decrease chewing function. Discuss the need for replacement with a dentist.
- Front denture teeth changes are noticed more easily (Upper picture). Chipped/fractured denture teeth further back are more difficult to find(lower picture).
- Conducting regular visual inspections is important.
Denture Cracks Worsen Oral Health Issues
Denture sharp edges, cracks or rough surfaces like the injuries highlighted by the arrows on the pictures can cause oral health issues.
Report these problems to a dentist.
Denture Cracks & Discomfort
Cracks (white arrow) and fractures (yellow arrow) are commonly found on dentures worn by older adults. Sometimes persons cannot express their discomfort and cracks/fractures go unnoticed.
Normal Denture Surfaces
Surfaces of the denture should be rounded, not sharp. Borders (yellow arrow) should be rounded.
Prevention of Oral Health Wounds
Removing and properly cleaning dentures at night helps prevent skin inflammation (as shown by yellow arrows) and denture stomatitis. It also prevents cavities and gum disease caused by bacteria from the denture which may damage the supporting teeth.
Denture Cleaning Solution Products
Many denture cleaning products are available and have been shown to be equally effective. House hold bleach can only be used on COMPLETE DENTURES but not for partials.
- When you use household bleach only use for 10 minutes.
- Any form of cleanser MUST BE thoroughly rinsed off before putting the dentures back into the person’s mouth. Always follow the instructions given by the cleaner manufactures.
Partial Denture Cleaning
For partial dentures, use products specifically for partials to prevent damage to the metallic parts. NEVER use household bleach for partials.
Store Dentures in Cleaning Solution
Store dentures in a closed container used only for this purpose.
- Always store dentures in a liquid
- That liquid can be plain water or a cleaning solution
- Store dentures in a closed container used only for this purpose shown in the picture
- Tip: poking or drilling holes in the storage containers can reduce the amount of unwanted moisture building up that can lead to bacteria or mold build up
- Soaking the dentures in a cleaning solution may help reduce bacteria buildup
- It is recommended to soak the dentures in a cleaning solution overnight once per week
Removing Dentures at Night
The amount of saliva that protects the skin and tissue of the mouth from disease decreases at night. Remove dentures to better protect oral health overnight. This will protect the skin and teeth from the pressure of the denture and prevent plaque buildup.
Removing Complete Dentures
Upper dentures can be removed by the care provider by holding the thumb on the palate of the denture and placing the index finger at the junction of where the denture touches the mouth.
- Push out and up towards the nose to break the seal to remove upper denture.
- Lower denture can be removed by gently pulling on the denture while applying a rocking motion.
See video to learn more.
Inserting Partial Dentures
For both upper and lower partials, place within missing teeth area and push down into place. Do not bite into place. See Types of Dentures
Overdentures
This type of denture is made for persons who have some remaining root tips or implants. Dentures lay over tooth roots or implants (yellow arrows), which should be brushed. Retainers located underneath the dentures (blue arrows) should be brushed carefully to remove debris without harming the plastic components. Use denture cleaners that are not corrosive to metal (usually they are indicated as cleaners for partials).
If you are unsure of how to care for your overdentures please speak with your provider.
Removing Partial Dentures
To remove upper partials:- Push down under the clasps
- Lift up under the clasps to remove lower partials
See video on how to remove partial dentures.
For both upper and lower partials, place within missing teeth area and push down into place. Do not bite into place. See Types of Dentures for more information.
Flexible/Soft Removable Partial Dentures
This type of denture is also made for persons who have some remaining teeth. It is made of acrylic teeth and flexible (green arrow) or soft (yellow arrow) materials added to it for retention to remaining teeth. Partial dentures should be removed to be brushed, and remaining teeth should be brushed when partials are out. Some flexible/soft materials are not compatible with denture cleaners, so avoid regular denture cleaners and brush with plain water.
Acrylic Removable Partial Dentures
This type of denture is made for persons who have some remaining teeth. It is made of acrylic teeth (green arrow) and wire clasps (yellow arrow). Partial dentures should be removed to be brushed, and remaining teeth should be brushed when partials are out. Use denture cleaners that are not corrosive to metal (usually they are indicated as cleaners for partials).
To remove upper partials:
