In short: Five practical tips to clean, store and maintain your overdentures so they stay comfortable, secure and long-lasting.
How to care for and maintain your overdentures?
An overdenture is also known as a snap-on denture, snap-in denture, implant-supported denture, or click-in denture. It is a prosthetic device used to replace teeth lost for various reasons, and it is kept in place by snapping onto just a few dental implants. In most cases, two or four implants are placed in your jaw. A locator abutment is an extension from the implant that forms a foundation for the denture, while strong rubber washers on the inner side of the denture lock onto the abutments when pressed into place.
Dental implants and snap-on dentures are excellent investments. Here are some valuable tips on how to take care of your new smile to ensure that you get the most out of it.
How to insert the implant overdentures?
Taking the time to insert the denture correctly will keep it from warping or breaking.
Insert your denture into your mouth and wiggle it back and forth until you feel the o-rings (rubber washers) line up with your implants. Then, using your fingertips, press the appliance into position around the arch. When the two pieces are properly engaged, you can usually hear a snap. After that, gently pull on your denture to make sure that it is stable. Then, close your teeth together and check to see if your bite feels natural. If something doesn’t feel right, the denture isn’t properly seated.
Never put your denture in your mouth and bite down to force it into position. This can cause the rubber washers to warp and possibly damage some of the other components. Since the prosthetic appliance is acrylic, it could crack if you use too much force. When inserting your denture, always be patient.
How to care for your snap-in dentures?
Keeping your denture clean will help it last. Take these steps to clean your denture:
- Remove the dentures and wash them with a denture brush, unscented antibacterial soap, and water before going to bed. Scrub the o-rings gently as well. Clear away any food particles and debris that may have collected around this area. Anything left behind will keep you from snapping your denture properly into place.
- After cleaning your appliance, put it in a denture box filled with water and let it stay overnight.
- Place a “gentle formula” denture-cleaning tablet in the container once or twice a week. This will get rid of any bacteria that you missed when scrubbing your appliance. You should avoid doing this too often because the ingredients in some denture-cleaning tablets can shorten the life of the o-rings.
- Once your denture has been put away for the night, it’s time to clean your mouth. Brush the gum tissue in your mouth, the locator abutments, the roof of your mouth, and your tongue. A soft toothbrush and a mild toothpaste are best.
- Using a water flosser is a great extra step to take. It directs a steady stream of water around your locator abutments, flushing away any debris that has collected. Dentists suggest water flossers because they help extend the life of dental implants and their components.
Is it okay to sleep with snap-on dentures in place at night?
Sleeping with your snap-on denture in place is not advised, because your gums need to rest and “air out” too. Constantly covering your gum tissue with hard acrylic can leave it swollen, irritated, and sore, which over time can contribute to bone loss. Removing your dentures at night before going to bed helps protect the bone and tissue underneath.
Looking for the best overdentures in Memphis, TN? Dr. Adatrow can help!
If you have any further questions about oral health, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Adatrow. Dr. Adatrow has more than 30 years of experience in placing dental implants, with a success rate of over 97%, and can provide you with the best possible dental treatment. He is a Board-Certified Prosthodontist and Periodontist in Hernando, MS region. Please get in touch with our office for your consultation now!
Overdentures: talk to a specialist
Every mouth is different, so the right answer on overdentures depends on your teeth, gums and health history. Our board-certified specialists in Southaven, MS, near Memphis, can examine you, explain your options and give you a clear written plan. Call (662) 655-4868 or book a consultation.