Whether you need to replace several teeth or an entire arch, dentures are a reliable option for restoring your smile. They can return the confidence that comes with having a complete set of natural-looking teeth. Additionally, they give you back the ability to speak and eat with ease. And you can also count on your prosthetic to last up to 10 years or more! However, despite all these benefits, it’s important to not wear your dentures 24 hours a day. Read on to learn the reasons why and discover the optimal wear time for your prosthetic.
3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Wear Dentures 24/7
Since dentures provide many of the benefits of having a complete smile, it can be tempting to keep them in all the time. However, it’s important to take them out of your mouth on a regular basis. If you don’t, it can lead to several issues, such as:
- Inflammation: The moist, dark space between your dentures and your gums is an ideal place for harmful bacteria to grow. This can potentially lead to denture stomatitis, which is a painful inflammation in the areas covered by your prosthetic.
- Breathing Issues: If your dentures aren’t taken out regularly to be cleaned, it increases the chances of an overgrowth of bacteria on them. By breathing in these harmful microbes, you are likely to suffer from pneumonia.
- Jawbone Deterioration: If your mouth is consistently exposed to the pressures of dentures, it can accelerate the process of bone loss. As time goes on, this can cause your prosthetic to not fit properly anymore.
So, How Many Hours in a Day Can You Wear Dentures?
In general, it is recommended to take your dentures out for at least 6 to 8 hours on a daily basis. That means you should not be wearing your prosthetic for more than 16 to 18 hours in a single 24-hour period. For most people, the best time to take them out is at night. As your body is resting and restoring while you sleep, so will your gums!
Taking Care of Your Dentures After You Remove Them
When you give your mouth a break from your dentures, it’s time to clean them thoroughly to remove plaque, food particles, and other substances. As you store them in a safe place for the night, place them in a mild denture-soaking solution to keep them from drying out and losing their shape.
Getting a complete smile with dentures can be life-changing, but it is important to give your mouth a break from them for a certain amount of time. By doing so, you will not only keep your prosthetic in top condition but your smile as well!
About the Author
Dr. Shauna Soltani and her team at Paradise Dentistry & Orthodontics keep the smiles of Denver whole, healthy, and beautiful. She earned her dental doctorate at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and is a member of several organizations. With almost 20 years of experience, she provides a comprehensive range of services, including restorative care like dentures. To schedule an appointment, contact her through her website or call (720) 608-7770.
