How to Care for Your Implant Dentures to Improve Their Lifespan

Losing your teeth can make it harder to eat and speak normally. In the long term, missing teeth can cause bone loss in the jawbone, which affects your facial structure and appearance. Losing teeth can seriously affect your confidence and quality of life. However, tooth replacement solutions like implant dentures can bring back your smile and confidence too. Learn more about implant dentures and how you can care for them below.

What are Implant Dentures?

Implant dentures are dental prosthetics designed to replace a full arch of teeth. Instead of resting on the gums like traditional dentures, implant dentures are attached to dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone. Implant dentures snap onto the implants and can be removed for cleaning and maintenance. They provide the stability of fixed, full-arch dental implants with the convenience of traditional dentures. They’re also sometimes called snap-in dentures or removable implant dentures. 

Benefits of Implant Dentures

Implant dentures offer many benefits compared to other tooth replacement options. Here are a few to consider:

• Allow you to enjoy a wide variety of foods
• More secure than regular dentures and require no adhesives
• A relatively affordable alternative to a fixed full arch of dentures
• Feel secure and comfortable
• Easy to clean and maintain

Many healthy people who don’t smoke or drink excessively are good candidates for implant dentures. However, eligibility for implants may vary from case to case. You can talk to your dentist to find out if you’re a good candidate for implant dentures. 

Caring for Implant Dentures

Implant dentures are very long-lasting compared to traditional dentures. However, like any dental prosthetic, they require proper care and maintenance. Here’s what to know about caring for your implant dentures.

Brush Implant Dentures Daily

Like traditional dentures, implant dentures should be taken out for daily brushing and cleaning. Use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to gently brush and clean the prosthetic teeth. Your dentist may recommend the best cleaning products for your dentures.

Soak Dentures Overnight

Implant dentures are not designed to be worn all the time. At night, implant denture wearers should take out their dentures and soak them in water or denture solution. Denture solutions keep bacteria and odor at bay and help your dentures retain their shape. Rinse the dentures thoroughly to remove any solution before wearing them.

Clean Your Mouth

Caring for denture implants also involves caring for the titanium posts in your jaw. Clean the implant posts and your gums with a soft toothbrush and use cleaning products recommended by your dentist. Use unwaxed floss to clean in between and around implant posts. Regular cleanings prevent plaque buildup around your dental implants and help prolong their life. 

Get Regular Dental Checkups

Implant dentures may require occasional adjustments for a good fit. Going to the dentist twice per year allows your dentist to inspect your dentures and adjust them if need be. Regular dental checkups also help ensure that your dentist can spot any potential oral health problems and provide solutions. 

Food and Diet

While implant dentures allow you to enjoy a wider variety of foods compared to traditional dentures, there are still some factors to consider:

• Avoid very hard food: Hard foods like ice or hard candies can damage your dentures, so it’s best to steer clear.
• Sticky foods: Certain sticky foods like caramels and taffy may dislodge the titanium implant posts in your jaw. Consume them cautiously or avoid them altogether.
• Enjoy a nutritious, balanced diet: While there are no special foods recommended for implant denture users, eating an overall healthy diet can enhance your dental health. Choose a diet rich in lean protein, vegetables, and fruits.

The Bottom Line

You can learn more about caring for dentures and dental implants in Denver, CO, by talking to your dentist. A consistent cleaning routine is the key to helping your denture implants last longer. Follow the care instructions provided by your dentist and avoid using abrasive products that could damage the dentures or implants. Get regular checkups to ensure your denture implants are performing as they should. Remember to take your dentures out and place them in water or a denture solution every night.