Partial dentures are an excellent option to restore the appearance and functionality of your smile if you are missing teeth. They support one or more teeth and match the color and shape of your remaining natural teeth, allowing you to have a perfectly healthy and joyful smile.

One common question is how long to wear partial dentures. Can you dine with them? Should you remove them before bed? Discover all the answers in this blog article!

Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate wearing partial dentures effectively:

Nightly Removal is the Norm: Although some dentists advise wearing your partials for a few days initially to help you get used to them, sleeping with them at night is usually not recommended. Your gums and underlying tissues need time to heal and repair, which they cannot do if your dentures are in place all the time.

Benefits of Taking Them Out at Night: Removing your dentures at night allows saliva to clean your mouth, removing food particles and microorganisms and promoting overall oral health. Additionally, taking off your dentures helps avoid gum tissue irritation and inflammation.

Wearing Time During the Day: Wear your partial dentures during most of your waking hours to ensure healthy eating, clear communication, and a confident smile. Follow your dentist’s advice, typically wearing them for 8 to 16 hours each day.

Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any discomfort when wearing your dentures. Irritation or sore spots indicate that adjustments may be necessary. Address these issues promptly to ensure a comfortable fit and prevent other problems.

Cleaning is Key: Maintain proper oral hygiene for both your natural teeth and dentures. Brush your dentures twice a day using a non-abrasive denture wash and a soft-bristled toothbrush. As advised by your dentist, soak them in a denture cleaning solution overnight.

Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule routine dental checkups every six months to evaluate your denture fit and overall oral health. Many dental offices in Yorkville specialize in maintaining and caring for dentures.

How long should you wear partial dentures?

It is generally recommended that you wear your partial dentures for eight hours a day. This reduces the possibility of developing sore spots while giving your gums and jaw time to adjust. Remove your partial dentures before sleeping and clean them after eating to prevent food particles from getting trapped. You can eat with your dentures, but if your gums start hurting, remove them and give your mouth a rest. Gently massage your gums to relieve discomfort.

What happens if you don’t wear your dentures?

If you don’t wear your dentures, your gums and jawbone may recede. Chewing stimulates the jaw and provides nutrient-rich blood. Without this stimulation, the area of the jaw missing a tooth does not receive nutrients, leading to loss of gum tissue and jawbone mass. This can make wearing dentures more difficult in the future. Dentures are important for more than just aesthetics; they help maintain good dental health. Follow your dentist’s advice strictly.

Advice on Acclimating to Dentures

Patients often find partial dentures uncomfortable at first and may avoid wearing them as prescribed. The only way to overcome this discomfort is to wear them for as long as necessary to allow your mouth to acclimate.

Helpful tips:

Start by wearing them for short periods and gradually increase the duration.
Remove them before bed and before eating to give your gums a break.
Gently massage your gums.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers.

Partial dentures are a valuable option for those missing teeth. To ensure optimal comfort, dental health, and a confident smile, know when to wear your dentures and maintain a regular cleaning routine. Personalized advice and answers to any questions from a licensed dentist are essential. Many dental offices specializing in dentures can provide the expertise and care needed to keep your smile functional and healthy.

Find a dentist in Yorkville who understands your unique needs and preferences to guarantee a successful and comfortable experience with your partial dentures.