A Deep Dive into Dentures: 

Types, Care, and The Products Used to Keep Dentures Fresh and Clean

 

Denture care can be intimidating. It seems that everyone has different advice for proper cleaning. With so much conflicting information, how can you know what is right for you? This guide dives into the main types of dentures available, the methods of cleaning, and the best products available to help keep your dentures like new.

There are so many different types of dental appliances available today that it can be quite confusing navigating the many techniques and methods employed to care for them all properly. There are six major types of dentures available today. Modern dentures are made from a wide variety of materials and there is an overwhelming number of denture cleansing products to choose from. Let’s start by exploring the reasons why it is important to keep dentures clean.

Should I Be Cleaning My Dentures?

This is a question we should be asking ourselves every day. There are many reasons why we should regularly clean our dentures. The most important being to keep our mouths healthy and our smiles looking natural, not to mention it can greatly preserve the lifespan of the dentures themselves, saving precious time and money.

With so many different types of dentures and denture cleaners on the market, it can be difficult to know what products to use and how to use them safely, efficiently, and effectively. Below is a short guide to help cut through the confusion. Let us start by looking at the different types of dentures.

The Six Most Common Types of Dentures

There are six main types of dentures available depending on the specific need they are necessary to address, and although each has a unique application, all of them need to be properly cared for to keep bacteria and other germs at bay.

·         Complete Dentures: Sometimes called full dentures or plates, complete dentures are used when all teeth of any jaw are completely missing. They are very common and look amazingly natural. This is the largest size of the dentures available and has the largest surface area to clean.

 

·         Fixed Partial Dentures: Often referred to as a bridge, fixed partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth when healthy teeth exist on either side. The healthy teeth are prepared with crowns and fixed partial denture bridges, or spans the gap between the existing teeth. This type of denture is not removable and therefore must be cared for inside your mouth like regular teeth.

 

·         Removable Partial Dentures: Similar to a fixed partial denture, the removable partial denture is used when some existing teeth are present. Whereas the fixed partial has enough support from existing teeth, the removable partial denture is often used when three or more teeth are missing next to one another. Fixed removable dentures can come in several different configurations. The fact that this type of appliance is removable allows for easier and more thorough cleaning.

 

·         Implant-Retained Dentures: A hybrid system known as implant-retained dentures, this option uses a combination of posts implanted into the jaw with a traditional complete denture fitted on top. This solution allows full dentures to be held securely in place without the need for dental adhesives. Although this type of procedure can be invasive, the strength and stability of implant-retained dentures are unmatched.

 

·         Immediate Dentures: This class of dentures is intended to be fitted the same day as the teeth are extracted and are very similar to complete dentures with the added price of immediate installation. Sometimes only temporary, immediate dentures allow the gums and mouth to adjust to the appliance quickly.

 

·         Snap-in Dentures: Another system utilizing a combination of dental implant and prosthesis is the snap-in denture. Unlike the implant-retained system, the snap-in appliance can be removed.  This type of system allows the wearer the ability to remove and clean the dentures while still having the security of implant retention. Another advantage to the snap-in design compared to complete dentures is the absence of material along the roof of the mouth allowing for a more natural look and feel

No matter which type of dentures you have, there is a product that can help make caring for any dental appliance simple and straightforward. Below is a list of the most widely used denture cleaners available.

The Most Popular Types of Denture Cleaners

There are many different types of denture cleaners on the market to make it easy for you to keep your dentures fresh and clean, no matter at home or away. Most involve soaking in a solution to kill bacteria and restore the dentures’ natural shine. Several kits include special soft bristle brushes that will safely allow you to clean and polish your dentures. There are even some more advanced technical solutions such as ultrasonic baths. Below is a list of the most common types of cleansing products available today.

·         Dissolving denture cleaning tablets: The most popular method of cleaning is simply lightly brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and soaking in a glass of warm water with a dissolving cleaning tablet. Similar to Alka Seltzer, the tablet gently fizzes while slowly dissolving microscopic food particles that feed odor-causing bacteria.

 

·         Overnight denture cleaners: In concert with dissolving tablets, special overnight containers and solutions continuously working throughout the night, sanitizing and freshening your dentures while you sleep.

 

·         Denture wipes: For on-the-go cleaning and moisturizing, denture wipes allow you to quickly and conveniently clean the surface of your dentures while refreshing your breath. These wipes have the additional benefit of moisturizing your teeth at the same time, leaving a smooth comfortable surface that feels pleasant against the inside of your lips and mouth.

 

·         Ultrasonic denture cleaners: Using high-frequency vibrations, ultrasonic denture cleaners work wonders in removing surface stains and tiny food particles in hard-to-reach spaces. The ultrasonic vibrations can deep clean better than any of the other methods discussed here. This type of cleaning can also be done overnight while you sleep.

 

·         Denture powders: For quick deep cleaning, powders cannot be beaten. Simply dissolve a packet of professional-grade cleaning powder into a glass of warm water and in 20 minutes, use a soft bristle brush to gently polish the surface. Rinse, and you are ready to go with fresh breath and a clean smile.

 

·         Denture cleansing paste & brushes: To keep dentures in their best condition, cleansing pastes have been developed that can be brushed onto the surface of the denture to take out hard stains like coffee or red wine. These pastes often come with special soft brushes to allow stains to be worked out and at the same time polish to a natural shine.

Whichever cleaning solution you choose to go with it is imperative to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use. These products have detailed instructions with straightforward steps and clear diagrams to follow to ensure proper use. Below is an overall summary of the most effective cleaning techniques and methods to get the most out of the cleaning products that you choose to use.

How to Clean Your Dentures

Cleaning your dentures is simply part of everyday hygiene, much like brushing natural teeth. Following the recommendations from your dentist or oral professional, you will quickly adapt to your own routine of care. Make sure to follow all directions of the dental cleanser you choose. The most common daily procedures include brushing the dentures with a special toothbrush, often included in most denture care kits.

Soaking dentures using dissolving tablets or special solution (overnight or according to manufacturer’s instructions). It is also very important to clean your mouth and gums with a soft toothbrush and mouthwash.

Finally, as with any good oral health, regular visits to your dentist for checkups and care are extremely important. Proper care and consistent cleaning are paramount, but there are also several things to avoid while cleaning dentures.

When Cleaning Your Dentures Make Sure to Avoid the Following:

There are definitely a few things you want to avoid when cleaning your dentures. Although dentures are built to withstand the rigorous environment of the human mouth they still need to be cared for in a somewhat delicate manner.

·         Never use a stiff-bristled toothbrush or other hard brush to clean dentures.

 

·         Never use gritty cleaners or abrasive toothpaste, either. The goal is to keep the bacteria to a minimum and polish dentures, not scrub.

 

·         Harsh chemicals and other cleaning materials should be avoided. They tend to break down the surface of the denture resulting in shortening the lifespan of the appliance.

 

·         Never use bleach or any other household cleaner that could be potentially harmful to your health.

Following your dentist’s and each product manufacturer’s recommendations will assure that your denture care can be simple and hassle-free.

Below is a list of the top five denture cleaners on the market today. They are readily available online and extremely affordable.

Here Is a List of the Top Five Denture Cleaners Available on Amazon Today:

·         Best Denture Cleaner for Removing Calcium Deposits:  Pro-Tech Concentrated Denture Cleaner- https://amzn.to/34JupMa

 

·         Best All-In-One Denture Cleaning Kit:  Kisser Denture Cleaning Kit https://amzn.to/34JupMa

 

·         Best Cleaner for Partial Dentures:  Polident Partial Denture Cleaner Tablets https://amzn.to/3gAmIKl

 

·         Best for Quick Cleaning:  Polident 3 Minute Antibacterial Denture Cleanser https://amzn.to/2G8o8PN

 

·         Best Denture Cleaning Paste:  Fresh ‘N Brite Denture Cleaning Paste – https://amzn.to/2G8d3hG

Dentures are an amazing solution to tooth loss. We have come a long way from the wooden teeth that humans have used for centuries. Today, modern dentures are made from durable materials like acrylic, nylon, porcelain, metal, and resin composites. They are extremely durable and often look as good (if not better) than natural teeth.

No matter which type of dentures you have, proper care and cleaning are vital to maintaining fresh clean breath and a healthy mouth. Keep your dentures clean and let the world see your beautiful smile.

As mentioned above all of these products are readily available to be purchased on Amazon and can be found at the links above.  Using these products, you will be assured that you have the tools necessary to sanitize and keep your dentures feeling fresh and shining like brand new.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share our research and suggestions on denture care. This list is the most current and contains the best products on the market today. We will be continuously updated as new products and techniques are developed.