Dental bridges and dentures are valuable solutions for replacing missing teeth and restoring the appearance and function of your smile. If you’ve recently had dental bridges or dentures placed at Tulsa Precision Dental, understanding how to care for them properly is key to maintaining your oral health and ensuring that your prosthetics last for many years. Dr. Chris Vinson and his team in Tulsa, OK, are committed to helping you keep your smile looking its best, and that includes providing guidance on how to maintain your dental bridges and dentures.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to care for these dental appliances so you can enjoy a healthy and confident smile for the long term.
What Are Dental Bridges and Dentures?
Before diving into care tips, it’s important to understand what dental bridges and dentures are.
- Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap with artificial teeth anchored by crowns on adjacent healthy teeth.
- Dentures are removable appliances that replace several or all of your teeth. They come in two types: partial dentures, which replace a few missing teeth, and full dentures, which replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower arch.
Both dental bridges and dentures can significantly improve your oral function, allowing you to speak, chew, and smile with confidence. However, proper care is necessary to extend the life of these dental appliances and to keep your mouth healthy.
Daily Cleaning for Bridges and Dentures
Just like natural teeth, dental bridges and dentures require daily cleaning to prevent the buildup of plaque, bacteria, and food particles. However, the techniques for cleaning these prosthetics differ slightly from those for natural teeth.
- Dental bridges: To clean your bridge, you should brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Focus on the area around the crowns and underneath the bridge, where food particles can get trapped. Flossing under your bridge is equally important. Dr. Vinson recommends using a floss threader or an interdental brush to effectively clean these areas and prevent gum disease.
- Dentures: Remove your dentures after meals to rinse away food debris. At the end of each day, clean them thoroughly using a soft-bristle brush and denture cleanser. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive for dentures. Soaking your dentures overnight in a specialized denture-cleaning solution can also help to maintain their cleanliness and shape.
Handle with Care
Both dental bridges and dentures can be fragile, so handling them with care is crucial to avoid damage.
- For dental bridges: While bridges are fixed in place and cannot be removed, it’s important to avoid habits like chewing on hard objects (ice, pencils) or using your teeth to open packages. These actions can place excessive force on the bridge and surrounding teeth, potentially leading to damage.
- For dentures: Dentures are designed to be durable, but they can still crack or break if dropped. When handling your dentures, do so over a soft towel or a basin of water to prevent damage if they slip from your hands.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Even though dental bridges and dentures replace missing teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your remaining natural teeth and gums healthy.
- For dental bridges: Gum disease and tooth decay in the teeth adjacent to your bridge can weaken the support for the bridge. Brush and floss these supporting teeth carefully to prevent decay and infection. A fluoride mouthwash can also help strengthen the enamel on these teeth and reduce the risk of cavities.
- For dentures: If you wear full dentures, it’s important to still clean your gums, tongue, and palate each day. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a damp washcloth to gently clean these areas and stimulate circulation, which helps keep the tissue healthy. Partial denture wearers should brush and floss their remaining natural teeth to prevent decay and gum disease.
Proper Storage and Maintenance
Storing your dental bridges and dentures properly is vital to maintaining their shape and condition.
- For dental bridges: Since bridges are permanently fixed in your mouth, they don’t require storage, but they do need regular check-ups to ensure they remain properly fitted and functional. Dr. Vinson recommends visiting Tulsa Precision Dental at least twice a year for routine cleanings and exams. During these visits, Dr. Vinson will examine your bridge and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it continues to fit comfortably.
- For dentures: Dentures should be removed at night to give your gums a rest. When not in use, store them in a solution recommended by Dr. Vinson. Keeping them moist prevents warping, ensuring they maintain their proper fit. Avoid soaking your dentures in hot water, as this can distort the material and affect the way they fit in your mouth.
Addressing Common Issues
Even with proper care, you may encounter some common issues with dental bridges or dentures. Knowing how to address these problems can help you avoid long-term complications.
- Dental bridges: Over time, you may notice food getting stuck under your bridge more frequently, or you may feel discomfort in the surrounding teeth. If your bridge feels loose, or if you experience pain, it’s important to contact Dr. Vinson for an evaluation. These issues could indicate a problem with the bridge or with the supporting teeth, and early intervention can prevent further damage.
- Dentures: With dentures, it’s normal to experience minor discomfort or sore spots in the first few weeks as your mouth adjusts. However, if the discomfort persists or your dentures no longer fit snugly, you may need an adjustment. Dentures can also wear down or become damaged over time. Regular check-ups with Dr. Vinson will ensure that your dentures are still fitting well and functioning properly.
Long-Term Care for Optimal Results
Both dental bridges and dentures are designed to last for several years, but they do require occasional maintenance to ensure their longevity.
- Dental bridges: The lifespan of a dental bridge typically ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on the material used and how well you care for it. To extend the life of your bridge, avoid habits that can stress the bridge, like grinding your teeth or chewing on hard foods. Wearing a night guard may be recommended if you clench or grind your teeth during sleep.
- Dentures: Dentures may need to be relined or replaced every 5 to 10 years due to changes in the shape of your gums and jaw. If your dentures begin to feel loose, don’t wait for them to become uncomfortable before seeking a reline. Proper fit is essential to preventing sore spots and maintaining your oral health.
A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
Caring for your dental bridges and dentures is not only important for maintaining their appearance and function, but also for protecting your overall oral health. By following these care tips and attending regular check-ups with Dr. Chris Vinson at Tulsa Precision Dental, you can ensure that your dental prosthetics remain in optimal condition for years to come. Remember, a little daily care goes a long way in preserving your smile.
Sources:
- Smith, G. R., & Hill, D. P. (2007). Dental Bridge Care and Maintenance: Key Considerations. Journal of Prosthodontics.
- Johnson, R. T. (2015). Advances in Denture Care and Longevity. International Journal of Dental Research.
- Patel, S. (2013). Denture Care for Optimal Oral Health. Journal of Geriatric Dentistry.
