Caring for removable dentures. Advice from professionals.

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1 To make the onboarding process faster, follow the recommendations below:

2 Recommendations for caring for the prosthesis 2.1 Cleaning procedure:

3 Service life of a removable denture

After making a removable denture, in the first 2–3 weeks, and sometimes longer, temporary

violation of diction,
change in taste sensations,
increase or decrease in the amount of saliva produced,
gag reflex (the urge to vomit),
slight pain in the gum area on which the prosthesis rests.

There is no need to be afraid of this, all these unpleasant sensations will pass. It takes time for the tissues (cheeks, lips, gums, tongue, palate) to adapt to the foreign object in the mouth, as well as several corrections of the prosthesis (filing, grinding) by the dentist.

If the patient has never worn removable dentures before, then the time for complete adaptation can reach 6 months ( moreover, this is more of a psychological adaptation than getting used to the feeling of the denture in the oral cavity).

How long does it take to get used to removable dentures?

On average, 30 days. At the beginning of use, removable dentures feel like a foreign body and can cause discomfort. They can interfere with the production of sounds (diction), cause increased salivation, changes in taste and temperature sensations, and difficulty biting and chewing food. Sometimes, when applying removable dentures, the urge to vomit may occur. It is also possible that the dentures do not adhere satisfactorily, or food debris gets underneath them, or biting the cheeks, lips, or tongue. All these phenomena decrease by the end of the first week of wearing the prosthesis and disappear after 3-4 weeks. After an adaptation period, the patient already feels more comfortable with prostheses than without them.

The main condition for quickly getting used to prostheses is their constant use. The rules and recommendations below will help you shorten the adaptation period.

addictive

A person develops the habit of wearing orthodontic appliances within a month (on average). There may be noticeable discomfort at first. The system feels like a foreign body in the body that you want to get rid of. At first, it may even disrupt the coherence of diction - this is mainly true for people who communicate a lot. Soon the patient gets used to it, and speech is completely restored.

Other possible side effects:

impaired salivation;
problems chewing food;
inaccuracies in assessing the temperature and taste of food.

The removable dentures themselves, their care, and proper use also require a certain habit. As a rule, it is produced within the first week, and a person feels more comfortable with a foreign body in the mouth than without it. Cleaning also ceases to cause any difficulties.

To get used to the system quickly, you need to leave it on for 1–2 weeks, even at night, and wear it constantly, overcoming the discomfort. Then you can get rid of it at night so that your gums can rest. During the habituation period, it is recommended to moisten the structure with purified (for example, distilled) water before use or use specially designed solutions, as well as rinse your mouth. If you have problems with diction, overcome them by reading books out loud - this will help you cope with troubles as quickly as possible. Practice taking the device on and off. If nausea occurs, suck a mint candy in your mouth and then repeat the action.

If the sensation of a foreign body, friction, or inflammation does not go away within two weeks from the moment the device is installed, then most likely you need a dentist’s consultation and correction. Do not tolerate discomfort for a long time - contact your treating orthodontist.

How to quickly get used to new dentures

Immediately after submitting the finished work in the dentist’s chair, learn how to remove and put on removable dentures yourself. At home, practice again, first in front of a mirror, then without it.
Before applying, soak removable dentures in water or use a fixative.
For the first one and a half to two weeks after the application of dentures, they should not be removed from the mouth, even at night. Take them out only for cleaning and oral hygiene.
To reduce the gag reflex, try sucking the candy by placing it towards the roof of your mouth and holding it in this position with your tongue.
Rinse your mouth often with warm water (8-10 times a day) or drink hot tea.
Reading aloud in a calm, relaxed atmosphere for 2 hours helps to quickly restore correct pronunciation. In most patients, diction is restored quite quickly (after 5-6 days)
For the first 2-4 days of wearing the prosthesis, try to eat soft foods and not load the prosthesis until you fully adapt to it. Try not to bite with your front teeth. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly.
Chew food with your side teeth at the same time (left and right at once). Cut food into small pieces. Introduce more fruits and vegetables into your diet (this will allow you to switch to your usual diet earlier).

What are the main rules when using removable dentures?

Dentures must be clean. After each meal, they should be removed from the mouth and washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Removable dentures should be protected from mechanical and chemical damage, as well as from exposure to high temperatures. If cracks or breakages appear in a removable denture, you cannot use it; you must consult a doctor for repairs.

Do not take breaks from wearing a prosthesis for more than one and a half to two weeks, because... this can lead to an initial discomfort that can make it difficult to fit the prosthesis exactly into place. As a rule, if a prosthesis is not used for more than a month, it becomes unusable and a new one needs to be made.

Recovery after removable dentures: lifestyle and rules for caring for new teeth

Caring for removable dentures is very simple and does not take much time. The structures are easily removed from the mouth, which allows you to clean them both in the morning and evening, and after each meal. If you have conditionally removable dentures, their daily removal is not required. However, more thorough cleaning, including the internal surface, must be carried out every 3-4 weeks.

How to quickly get used to removable dentures

Naturally, each person is individual, and the duration of adaptation directly depends on the model and materials of construction. Conventionally, the process of addiction can be divided into three stages:

irritation stage, which lasts about 7-10 days,
stage of conditioned inhibition (duration – 3 weeks),
the stage of full adaptation, when the patient completely gets used to the new artificial teeth (occurs after 30-40 days).

Immediately after installation, removable dentures may cause you nausea, increased salivation, changes or complete loss of taste, and difficulty eating. Diction problems also occur. But as you get used to the design, all manifestations disappear completely or are reduced to a minimum.

During the period of getting used to the prosthesis, you need to wear it constantly, without removing it while eating and sleeping. You should not use it in case of acute pain - it is better to consult a doctor to correct the design.

It is important to understand that any removable denture, especially if it is installed for the first time, will require regular correction. The gums sag along with the bone tissue, the position of the joint changes, the bite is corrected - all this

will cause the prosthesis to feel uncomfortable. One visit to the doctor and the position of the device will change - you will become more comfortable. Remember this and do not ignore your doctor's recommendations.

How to restore diction

To restore diction, it is recommended to speak as much as possible: read books, pronounce tongue twisters, while holding one or more sweets in your mouth (without sugar! 15-20 minutes, several times a day. Course duration - the first 1.5-2 weeks after prosthetics.

What hygiene products can be used

What to do if the prosthesis rubs and does not fit well

use ointments (Solcoseryl, Metrogyl Denta) or sea buckthorn oil. Apply the oil to the gums for a maximum of 20 minutes after eating and cleaning the denture 3-4 times a day,
It is forbidden to sharpen dentures yourself, after which you can simply throw it away,
If there is acute and constant pain caused by rubbing of the structure, you should consult a doctor for correction. 2-3 hours before the visit, the denture should be in the mouth so that the reason why the structure is rubbing becomes visible.

If the device is not fastened well, then you should contact your attending physician - an orthopedic dentist. If the correction does not help, you will have to use special fixation creams: Protefix, Corega, Lacalut Dent. Choose the one that suits you - according to taste, consistency, fixation time. Try different options and choose the best one.

How to eat after installing structures

If the prosthesis is made of comfortable materials, if it suits you, then you will be able to eat well right away. Restrictions occur when little time has passed after the removal of living teeth, when you initially had gum inflammation. In such situations, pressure causes pain; you need to limit the chewing load to avoid discomfort and allow the gums to recover.

In general, during adaptation it is advisable to adhere to the following recommendations:

give preference to soft and warm foods, exclude viscous foods,
you need to chew carefully and thoroughly, cut food into small pieces,
It is better to chew food on the side where the process does not cause pain,
You should refrain from biting food with your front teeth.

After adaptation, when the prosthesis no longer causes pain, you can return to your usual diet. But you should exclude foods that are too hard, viscous, sticky, excessively hot and cold (drinks and soups should be warm, ice cream should be kept a little at room temperature).

How to clean dentures and remaining teeth

You need to brush your teeth exactly as you are used to: in the morning, in the evening and after every meal. But as for prosthetics, the recommendations will be as follows:

Daily care

clean the structure in the morning and evening with a soft toothbrush using toothpaste without abrasives or regular soap (preferably baby soap). Pay special attention to the internal area that is in contact with the gum,
Soak the denture daily in a solution of citric acid (1 teaspoon per 150 ml of warm water): soak it for 10 minutes to disinfect and loosen plaque. Carry out the procedure before brushing your teeth 2 times a day. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly with water. Change the solution every 3-5 days,
after each meal, the structure is removed and thoroughly rinsed under running water,
Additionally, you can use an irrigator, which will clean the microscopic gaps between the crowns of the structure,
Be careful when brushing your teeth, especially if there are small parts - hooks, clasps, so as not to damage them.

Periodic care

soak in a disinfectant solution - for this you need to purchase special tablets for removable dentures (Protefix, Corega, Lacalut Dent). Use up to 3 times a week while maintaining daily hygiene. Use according to instructions (keep in solution for 15-20 minutes),
use products that suppress the activity of oral microflora (especially important several years after the installation of dentures, since more plaque accumulates on them). For example, “Tantum Verde” (spray, lozenges) - relieve inflammation and tension, freshen breath.

Modern equipment - ultrasonic sterilizers - can be used to disinfect dentures. They allow you to achieve ideal cleanliness of artificial teeth at home, cleaning them from bacteria and plaque. These devices can also be used to disinfect any other items - toothbrushes, baby bottles, etc.

Do I need to remove dentures at night?

Modern “removers” can be worn constantly and it is not necessary to remove them at night – especially during the first 2-3 weeks, while adaptation to the designs occurs. However, outside the oral cavity, dentures with a plastic base should NOT be placed in a humid environment, since favorable conditions are created for the development and growth of pathogenic microflora. This can lead to bleeding and gum inflammation.

If there are metal elements, the prosthesis must also not be stored in tap water, especially chlorinated water - this can lead to metal corrosion.

For storage and transportation, it is necessary to use specially designed protective ventilated boxes/cases in which the prosthesis will be kept clean and dry.

Why does increased salivation occur?

Salivation occurs due to the fact that a foreign body appears in the oral cavity, and it is quite massive - removable dentures, as a rule, cover the palate and completely hide the gums. Therefore, our body is given a signal that something has appeared in the mouth and it needs to be digested. Over time, restructuring will occur, but, unfortunately, at first this problem cannot be solved.

Is it possible to whiten dentures?

If hygiene is insufficient, dentures may change their shade. But, unfortunately, it is impossible to bleach it to its original state, especially if a lot of plaque has accumulated and the coloring pigments have penetrated deep into the pores of the material. The doctor can perform polishing - the prosthesis will be smoother, its top layer will be a little ground off, so the structure will be visually lighter. At home, you can try using special whitening tablets (for example, Corega), but you should not overuse them - they can damage the prosthesis materials.

How to know when it’s time to change your dentures

It is recommended to change dentures every 3-5 years or 5-7 years (depending on the material and type of construction).

When using removable dentures, the load from chewing food on bone tissue is only insignificant, which is fraught with its gradual resorption. The jawbone decreases in size, and not always evenly. This process takes from six months to several years and leads to a discrepancy between the shape of the prosthesis and the relief of the gums - the prosthesis is less secure and becomes less stable. This means relocation (if possible) or complete replacement of the structure is required.

In addition, materials wear out over time under the influence of saliva, nicotine, food irritants, and mechanical stress. Cracks appear on the structure, the surface becomes less smooth, which contributes to the accumulation of a large amount of plaque. If you have chosen crowns made of plastic (namely, they are in most cases used in removable orthopedic devices), it is worth considering that they wear down quite quickly, so after about 2-3 years the bite changes, which can affect the condition of the joint and the process of normal chewing food.

Orthopedic dentist, 1st category

Ruzanova Svetlana Vladimirovna

What is prosthesis correction and when should it be done?

After applying removable dentures in the oral cavity, as a rule, pain appears in some areas underneath. This is due to the inevitable gradual subsidence (pressure) of the removable denture on the mucous membrane. This factor cannot be fully taken into account when designing these orthopedic structures, therefore, correction is necessary to eliminate unpleasant sensations. It consists of “undermining” the dentures in those areas where it presses on the oral mucosa.

The first correction must be carried out the next day after the start of using dentures. The next 3-4 corrections must be carried out over a period of one and a half to two weeks as necessary. You may need more visits to the dentist after completing your work (up to 10).

In case of severe pain, you need to remove your dentures and put them in a special container or glass of water. Before going to the doctor for correction, you must wear dentures and walk around with them for at least 3-4 hours. This will allow the doctor to see a clear imprint on the mucous membrane and correct only the place that is rubbing the gum. Bringing a denture in your pocket and pointing your finger in your mouth is useless. In removable dentures, every centimeter, and sometimes even a millimeter, of the supporting surface is of great importance. If the correction is inaccurate, the fixation of the prosthesis may be impaired. This is exactly what happens if you try to grind or file dentures yourself. After correction (adjustment) of removable dentures, you must not use them for 1 day. During this period (during the healing period of the namin), it is advisable to rinse your mouth and make baths (hold the solution in the mouth at the site of the namin) with herbal decoctions. Use a decoction of chamomile flowers, oak bark, etc. For example, take 0.5 tablespoons of dry oak bark, brew in one glass of boiling water, cool, apply the decoction 3-5 times a day. You can also use medicines, for example Kamistad gel, sold in pharmacies.

Feel free to visit your dentist for adjustments. Removable dentures, even if they are made in the most careful manner, require correction. Even if you do not experience any pain or discomfort, you should visit the dentist for an oral examination.

WARNING : Do not attempt to straighten dentures yourself with a file or any other tool. This can lead to breakage of the prosthesis and disruption of its fixation. Moreover, after such “repairs” it is no longer possible to do anything with the prostheses in the clinic. As a result, all that remains is the manufacture of new orthopedic structures.

Why it may be necessary to remove a prosthesis

If we discuss modern prostheses, then it is not at all necessary to take them off every night. Orthopedists recommend removing them if you feel a burning sensation on the mucous membranes or dryness in the oral cavity. It also happens that a rash appears on the body. But these cases are rare and allergic in nature. If it occurs, you need to go to the doctor to eliminate the causes of this pathological situation.

You don't have to take your dentures off every night

Another point why a patient may need to remove dentures at night is his own fears. A certain percentage of people are quite suspicious of their own health and the manipulations that doctors perform with it. Removable dentures are an innovation in their lifestyle, they need to get used to them, realize that they now replace missing teeth. A person may be afraid that the prosthesis will fall out of place in a dream, that it could be injured. Some prosthetic owners even worry that they will be able to swallow a small prosthesis (although this is very problematic).

The orthopedist will explain to the patient how to care for the prosthesis and how to store it.

Of course, a doctor can dispel such fears. If the patient trusts his orthopedist, and he, in turn, explained to the person everything about the use of prostheses, worries will disappear on their own. But if the person himself decides that it is safer for him to remove the prosthesis at night, then he may well do so.

How to care for removable dentures

Proper care of them is of great importance for the period of adaptation (adaptation) and the service life of prostheses. Removable dentures require regular cleaning. The best option is to clean dentures daily after each meal under running water. The obligatory minimum is cleaning the prosthesis before going to bed. The main criterion is that the prosthesis must be as clean as on the first day. The cleaner the denture, the more comfortable you will feel it in your mouth.

When cleaning a denture with whitening toothpaste, scratches may form on it, which contributes to the rapid accumulation of plaque on the denture, because Such pastes contain abrasive substances, so for daily care you can use a weak soap solution.

Dirty removable dentures cause rapid wear and tear and inflammation in the oral cavity. If there is inflammation of the mucous membrane in places of contact with a removable denture, pain, or burning, you should immediately consult a doctor. From strong tea, coffee and smoking, removable dentures lose their appearance, turn yellow, and a brown coating appears on them. With good care, removable dentures retain their color and shine for a long time.

An indicator of good care is the absence of food and plaque on the prosthesis. To remove age spots from coffee and nicotine, etc., which may appear over time, you should consult a doctor. The dental technician will restore the necessary polish and shine.

To clean dentures, you can use special cleaning agents sold in pharmacies (President, Corega, Protefix). They also help get rid of plaque and destroy bacteria that cause bad breath. The prosthesis is placed in a glass of clean water and a tablet is lowered; the prosthesis is kept in the solution for a certain time recommended by the manufacturer.

How to improve the fixation of removable dentures

The anatomical conditions in the oral cavity do not always allow for the creation of good fixation for removable dentures. This especially applies to prosthetics for the complete absence of teeth in the lower jaw. Under unfavorable conditions, special fixing agents in the form of creams, fixing pads, and powders are used to keep it in the mouth. They are sold under the brands “President”, “Corega”, “Protefix” in any pharmacy.

The fixing cream is applied in a thin broken line to the prosthesis. Before applying the cream, removable dentures must be dried, for example with a cotton swab. Fixing powder is used for low salivation. It is applied in a thin layer to the wet denture, after which the removable dentures can be put on. Your dentist will help you decide on the choice of fixative.

What to do if your prosthesis breaks?

During the use of removable dentures, a fracture of the prosthesis or its individual parts (tooth, clasp) may occur. In this case, you need to consult a dentist. If a tooth(s) on which partial removable dentures are held or supported are lost, it is possible to weld an artificial tooth to the denture in place of the lost one. Repairing a removable denture takes 2-3 days. Repairs are made without warranty.

In case of cracks, fractures, etc. Do not try to fix the denture yourself, even if urgently. Only specialists can repair the prosthesis.

Making new removable dentures takes about 1 week. The warranty period for plastic removable and clasp dentures is usually up to 1 year. During the warranty period, the prosthesis is repaired or altered free of charge. After the warranty period expires, the work is paid in full.

What are crowns

Dental crowns are caps that are fixed to a support. In most cases, this is a preserved tooth root, and the natural crown is partially or completely destroyed. Less commonly, an implant. Dental crowns are actively used in the creation of other orthopedic structures - removable dentures, as well as dental bridges. The latter consist exclusively of dental crowns and are used to restore several missing teeth in a row (usually no more than three or four).

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In what cases is it necessary to contact a dentist?

If you notice a burning sensation in the mucous membrane, severe dry mouth, skin rash and other unusual symptoms, you should contact your dentist, who, if necessary, will refer you to an allergist for allergy tests.

Once a year it is necessary to reline the removable denture. The fact is that while wearing a prosthesis, atrophy of the mucous membrane and bone tissue occurs under it. Because of this, a void appears between the prosthesis and the mucous membrane and the prosthesis does not fit tightly to the prosthetic bed. To eliminate these negative aspects, the prosthesis is relined - plastic is placed in place of the void formed due to atrophy and a tight fit of the prosthesis is restored. If relining a removable denture is done at the wrong time or not done at all, the removable denture becomes unusable.

Visit your dentist at least twice a year, consult with him about the specifics of caring for your oral cavity, and use special devices and medications recommended by him, if necessary!

Types of removable dentures

The following types of removable dentures are known in dental practice:

Clasp models. Such prostheses are made of metal, ceramics, zirconium and plastic. The support is made of metal, the body is made of plastic and other listed materials. The most important advantage of the design is that the load during chewing is distributed evenly between the jaw, gums and other teeth. Depending on the type of fixation, clasp models are: with locking fastenings, with a telescopic crown, with hook-clasps. This type of denture is used for temporary and partial absence of teeth. Clasp dentures are often used for tooth movement and periodontal disease.
Telescopic products. These prostheses are made of metal, the top of the product is covered with acrylic or ceramics. The product is attached according to the principle of a telescope. The supporting incisors themselves are well ground. Cone-shaped systems are subsequently put on them. Secondary parts are attached to the cones.
Immediate dentures. These devices are used when only one tooth is lost. Basically, an immediate prosthesis performs only an aesthetic function, covering free space. These devices are installed temporarily, immediately after removal or before a permanent prosthesis. The design of such prostheses has an interesting fastening, reminiscent of the shape of a butterfly.

The choice of type of prosthesis depends on several criteria:

The first criterion: the number of missing teeth. If several teeth are missing, it is preferable to implant an implant.
Second criterion: what final result is expected. To restore proper chewing function, it is best to use fixed dentures.
The third criterion: how comfortable the system used should be. Removable structures must be removed at night. This fact must be taken into account.
The fourth criterion: what financial capabilities the patient has. The most inexpensive option is removable plastic models.

Complete dentures are used if the patient is missing multiple teeth on one or both jaws at the same time. One plate compensates for the loss of all teeth at once.

If one or more teeth are missing in the dentition, partial dentures are used. They are mainly installed in cases of loss of chewing teeth and defects in the entire dentition.