If you need to have extensive dental work done to save your teeth, a better option might be to remove your teeth and have denture plates put in. While your dentist will probably try to save your teeth when possible, there are times when getting dentures is the best option. It might be the more affordable choice, the procedure might be easiest for you to endure, or your teeth may be so bad, that dentures are simply the best choice. Here are a few things you may not know about dentures.

You Don't Use Regular Toothpaste To Clean Them

You need to brush and clean your dentures every day just like you do your real teeth. However, you don't use the same products. Toothpaste can scratch dentures because dentures aren't as strong as natural enamel. Instead, you need to use denture powder or paste along with a special brush. The brush you use for cleaning has a shape that makes it easy to clean the bends that fit over your gums, and the bristles are soft so they won't scratch the teeth.

They Need To Be Kept Moist

When you get dentures, the plates are customized to fit your mouth precisely. When the plates get dry, they can warp out of shape. By having them in your mouth, you keep the denture plates moist so they retain their shape. When you remove them from your mouth, you should soak them in water. Doing this at night makes for the perfect opportunity to clean the plates at the same time they are soaking.

You Shouldn't Wear Them All Day And Night

Although it's best to remove the plates before you go to sleep at night so your gums can rest and so the plates can soak in a cleaning solution, you don't have to be alarmed if you fall asleep with your dentures in. If you wear them at night, just be sure to remove them at some point during the day to give your mouth a break and for cleaning. Your dentist will probably advise you not to wear your denture plates 24 hours a day.

Relining Can Adjust Their Fit

Your mouth may continue to change as you age due to bone loss, so you could experience problems with a loose fit for your plates. Sometimes, using denture adhesive helps with this problem, but other times slipping can lead to soreness and embarrassing situations. Your dentist can help by adjusting the fit of the plates. You shouldn't try to suffer with uncomfortable denture plates, or avoid wearing them because they hurt. While they might take a while to get used to wearing, they should eventually feel comfortable. If they don't, then talk to your dentist about having your dentures adjusted for a better fit.

When you get your new set of teeth, you can choose the shade of whiteness you like and you can also decide if you want to have implants put in to hold the teeth securely in your mouth. When you have your new dentures and become accustomed to them, you can enjoy your improved smile and you may even be able to chew more easily than you could with your old damaged teeth.