When people first get their dentures, they’re often impressed by what a simple piece of acrylic can do for them. Modern prosthetics are crafted to be incredibly durable and realistic, as well as to fit the patient perfectly—the result is that patients can often forget that what they’re wearing isn’t their real teeth!
This being the case, people often begin to wonder whether there’s ever a need to remove their dentures, or whether it’s better to simply leave them in place all the time. If you’re curious, here’s what you should know.
Can I Wear Dentures 24/7?
While it can be tempting to leave your dentures in, most dentists strongly advise against this. There are several reasons why it’s important to take your prosthetic out regularly: the first is hygienic. Leaving your dentures in limits your opportunity to clean them effectively. The area under the dentures will likely accumulate bacteria over time if they’re not removed frequently for cleaning.
The second has to do with comfort. Dentures adhere to the gums entirely via suction, which puts a lot of pressure on the soft tissues in the mouth. If you don’t give your gums a break occasionally, you’ll be prone to denture sores.
When Do I Take Out My Dentures?
Dentists generally recommend taking out your prosthetic when you sleep. This gives you an opportunity to soak them overnight in denture cleaning solution, eliminating bacteria and giving your gums time to rest. Plus, it’s not like you’re getting much use out of them while you’re lying in bed at night anyway.
Immobile Implant Dentures
While some patients prefer the removability of dentures, others want a method of tooth replacement that they don’t ever have to take out. If that’s you, you might want to talk to your dentist about implant dentures.
By affixing your prosthetic permanently to dental implants, you can get a much stronger bite without putting pressure on your gums or risking bacterial infection. That being the case, removing your dentures becomes unnecessary.
If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of taking out your prosthetic every night, this may very well be an idea worth pursuing for you.
About the Author
Dr. Shauna Soltani believes that her patients deserve to smile their best and brightest, and she affords that to them by providing treatments and restorations that stand above the rest. She also makes sure to fully understand her patients as people, and to be there for them to answer any questions they may have. Dr. Soltani received her dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has studied extensively since then to stay at the top of her field.
If you have any questions about denture care, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (720) 608-7770.
