How should removable dentures, dental crowns and orthodontic appliances be cared for?
Fixed dental prostheses, such as crowns and bridges, should be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth.
Teeth should be brushed twice a day, with particular attention paid to cleaning between the teeth. If you have a dental bridge, it is also important to clean beneath the pontics using dental floss or an interdental brush.
If ceramic crowns or veneers have been fitted to the front teeth and your dentist has recommended a protective splint, it should be worn at night to protect the restorations from the pressure caused by teeth grinding.
Care instructions
Removable dentures also require regular care. After eating, it is advisable to remove the denture, rinse your mouth and clean the denture under warm running water. As part of daily care, brush the denture with a soft brush and use a special denture-cleaning tablet at least once a week to help remove microorganisms and keep it clean.
Avoid using abrasive toothpastes, alcohol, bleaching agents or hot water when cleaning the denture, as these may damage the material.
When the denture is not being worn, it should be kept in a moist environment, such as in water or in a closed container wrapped in a damp cloth. This helps preserve the properties of the material and allows the denture to retain its shape.
Orthodontic appliances, aligners and splints also require daily cleaning. Removable aligners and splints should be taken out before eating and stored in their designated case when not in use. Chewing gum while wearing an aligner, splint or appliance is not recommended, as it may damage the device.
If a denture or appliance develops a crack or fracture or begins to move in the mouth, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Contact your dentist as soon as possible. To help prevent problems, an examination is recommended at least once a year so that a specialist can assess the condition of the denture or appliance and make any necessary adjustments.
Proper care takes little time but helps ensure that dentures and orthodontic appliances remain comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, functional and durable for as long as possible.
