How to care for and maintain your overdentures?

An overdenture is also known as a snap-on denture, snap-in denture, implant-supported denture, and click-in denture. It is a prosthetic device that is used for the replacement of teeth lost due to various reasons. kept in place by snapping onto just a few dental implants. In most cases, two or four implants are placed in your jaw. A locator abutment is an extension from the implants that form a foundation for the denture. In contrast, strong rubber washers on the inner side of the denture lock onto the abutments when pressed into place.

Dental implants and snap-on dentures are excellent investments. There are some valuable tips on how to take care of your new smile to ensure that you get the most out of it.

How to insert the implant overdentures?

Taking the time to insert the denture correctly will keep it from drying out, warping, or breaking.

Insert your denture into your mouth and wiggle it back and forth until you feel the o-rings (rubber washers) sync with your implants. Then, using your fingertips, force the appliance into position around the arch. When the two pieces are properly engaged, you can usually hear a snap. After that, gently pull on your denture to ensure that it is stable. Then, close your teeth together and check to see if your bite is natural. If something doesn’t feel right, the denture isn’t properly seated.

Never put your denture in your mouth, bite down, and try to get it into the proper position. This can cause the rubber washers to warp and possibly damage some of the other components. Since the prosthetic appliance is acrylic, it could likely crack if you use it too forcefully. When inserting your denture, always be patient.

How to care for your snap-in dentures?

Keeping your denture clean will ensure its longevity. You have to take these measures to clean your denture:

• Remove the dentures and wash them with a denture brush, non-scented antibacterial soap, and water before going to bed. Scrub the o-rings gently as well. Clear any food particles and debris that may have accumulated around this region. Anything left behind will keep you from adequately snapping your denture into place.
• After cleaning your appliance put it in a denture box filled with water. Allow it to stay overnight.
• Place a “gentle formula” denture-cleaning tablet in the package once or twice a week. This will get rid of any bacteria that you missed when scrubbing your appliance. You should avoid doing this too often because the ingredients in some denture-cleaning tablets can shorten the life of the o-rings.

• It’s time to clean your teeth now that your denture has been put away for the night. Brush the gum tissue in your mouth, the locator abutments, the roof of your mouth, and your tongue. A soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste should be preferred.
• Using a water flosser is a fantastic extra measure to take. This system will fire a powerful stream of water around your locator abutments, flushing away any debris that has accumulated. Dentists suggest water flossers because they help extend the life of dental implants and their materials.

Is it okay to sleep with snap-on dentures in place at night?

Going to sleep with your snap-on denture in place is not advised because your gums will need to breathe and “air out,” too. Constantly covering your gum tissue with a hard acrylic will cause it to become swollen, irritated, and sore, leading to bone resorption. Thus, removing dentures at night before going to bed will prevent bone loss.

Why is periodic maintenance of overdentures Important?

Your snap-on denture, like your dental implants, needs periodic assessment to have optimal functioning. Implants should be professionally cleaned at least once a year in Southaven, MS. Rubber o-rings will need replacement every few months. When you find that your denture is becoming loose, make an appointment with Advanced Dental Implant and TMJ Center to remove the rings. This procedure is fast and easy, but it makes a big difference in how well your appliance fits and functions.