So you’ve got your missing teeth replaced with implant dentures? 

Implant dentures are an excellent and popular tooth replacement solution, and rightly so. Combining the stability of dental implants and the convenience of dentures, these implant dentures (also known as implant-supported dentures) can replace an entire arch of teeth while providing a comfortable fit. 

The confidence these implant-supported dentures bring can be life-changing. With implant dentures, the days of dealing with loose dentures that would slip at the most inconvenient times and fuel your anxiety are well behind you now. 

That’s why implant dentures aren’t just an investment in your smile but your life, too! 

However, with a dazzling new smile comes great responsibility – keeping those implant dentures in tip-top shape. 

Why is it Important to Clean Implant Dentures?

Now, let’s set the record straight about the common misconception that implant dentures don’t require any special care. This couldn’t be far from the truth. 

Sure, dental implants are resistant to decay and cavities, but they are not entirely invincible. If good oral hygiene is not maintained, plaque can build up and lead to gum disease, ultimately leading to implant failure. 

And let’s not forget what we mentioned earlier about implant dentures being more than just a cosmetic improvement. They are your ticket to a confident and happy life. So, the last thing you’d want is to hit rewind on your smile and confidence, right? 

With consistent care, implant dentures can stick around for the long haul. We’re talking about 20 years or more of flashing that confident smile without hesitation. 

How Do You Clean Implant Dentures? 

Want to make the most out of your implant dentures? Here are some steps you can follow:  

Remove your Implant Dentures 

The first step in cleaning your implant dentures is to carefully remove them from your mouth. 

When you do, remember to handle them with care – the same care you’d show a newborn baby – because if your denture drops, it can easily fracture.

Here’s a pro tip to prevent such accidents and damage to your dentures: place a soft towel over the sink or counter or fill the sink with water. This way, they’ll have a soft landing even if it drops. 

Next, gently rinse your dentures under warm water to wash away any leftover food particles and prepare them for their cleaning routine. 

Brush, Brush, Brush 

We know that brushing is essential to protecting natural teeth from dental problems. The same goes for dentures. Brushing is your best defence against plaque and bacteria build-up on prosthetic teeth. 

So, take a soft-bristled toothbrush or a special denture brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Brush all the surfaces of your denture without missing a single spot. And don’t forget to brush the implant attachments and surrounding gums! A small interdental brush can work wonders when cleaning those hard-to-reach areas around your implants. 

Just like your natural teeth, you should brush your implant dentures at least twice a day. And remember to brush your dentures gently!

Tip: Avoid abrasive and harsh substances, as they can scratch and damage the surface of your dentures. 

Soak your Dentures Overnight 

Sleeping with your dentures on is a big no-no. It’s a recipe for infections and other unwelcome complications. 

So, give your dentures a much-needed rest every night as you sleep by soaking them in a denture-cleaning solution or water. Why, you ask? Soaking your dentures can disinfect and clean them while ensuring they don’t dry out, crack or warp. 

Think of it as their beauty sleep.  

Use a Water Flosser 

Brushing alone won’t do the trick if you want to maintain your implant dentures. Why? Because your toothbrush fails to reach between the teeth where food particles accumulate the most.

Enter the water flosser—a handheld device that shoots a stream of water between your teeth and below the gumline to effortlessly wash away stubborn food and plaque buildup. 

Make water flossing a part of your daily routine and your oral health will thank you! 

Use a Mouthwash 

Using an antibacterial mouthwash is always a good idea, especially if you have implant dentures. It can help fight off bacteria and plaque buildup, giving your dentures and gums extra protection. Combined with the rest of your implant denture cleaning routine, rinsing with mouthwash can help you enjoy your smile for much longer. 

Visit the Dentist Regularly 

A regular checkup every 6 months is a must. During these visits, our dentists at Warrnambool Smile Dental will assess your dental restorations, followed by a professional cleaning of your dental appliance and surrounding gum tissue. 

If we detect any problems, we can intercept any possible dental conditions at their onset when they are easiest to treat and control. 

Make Your Implant Dentures Last Longer 

Proper care of implant-supported dentures involves more than just cleaning. In addition to cleaning your dental implants, there are a few other ways to care for them. These include: 

• Cleaning your mouth: Now that you’ve mastered the art of cleaning your dentures, it doesn’t mean you can forget about your mouth. Your mouth needs to be cared for, too. So, take your toothbrush out (not the same one you used to clean your dentures) and clean your tongue, gums and palate every night before you take them out and every morning before putting them back in. 
• Be mindful of your diet: Implant dentures are known for their stability and durability. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t susceptible to any damage. So, avoid hard and sticky foods like nuts, toffee and caramel. 
• Avoid biting down on objects: We know using your teeth to open bottles or bite your fingernails can be tempting. Trust us, it’s a recipe for disaster because doing so can damage your dentures and even affect the surrounding tissues. 

There you have it. Keeping your implant dentures in top shape is as easy as it gets. All it takes is a dash of consistency, and you’ll have a functional and confident smile that lasts for years to come. 

Want to learn more about implant-supported dentures and how you can care for them? Swing by Warrnambool Smile Dental or simply contact us. We’re here to help you every step of the way.