Denture Care in Melbourne, FL
Maintaining Your Dentures After Your Solid Bite Appointment
Congratulations on taking the important step toward restoring your smile with quality dentures from Solid Bite in Melbourne, FL. Now that Dr. Lee N. Sheldon, Dr. Matt Sheldon, or Dr. Michel Furtado has fitted you with your new dentures, proper care becomes necessary for maintaining their appearance, function, and longevity. Our experienced team understands that adjusting to life with dentures requires not only getting comfortable with wearing them but also learning the best practices for daily maintenance and long-term care.
At our Melbourne dentist's office near you, we've helped thousands of patients throughout Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Titusville, and Brevard County successfully adapt to their new dentures. Dr. Lee N. Sheldon's expertise in periodontics and dental implants, combined with our team's comprehensive approach to patient education, ensures you have all the knowledge needed for successful denture care. Following these guidelines will help prevent complications, extend the life of your investment, and keep your smile looking its best for years to come.
Call 321.259.8000 to book a consultation with our Melbourne dental team.
Why Choose Solid Bite for Ongoing Denture Care
At Solid Bite in Melbourne, FL, our commitment to your oral health extends far beyond your initial denture fitting. As Best of Brevard winners, Dr. Lee N. Sheldon, Dr. Matt Sheldon, and Dr. Michel Furtado provide comprehensive ongoing care to ensure your dentures continue to serve you well. Our experienced team understands the unique needs of denture wearers and offers personalized guidance for optimal maintenance.
Our state-of-the-art Melbourne facility serves patients throughout Palm Bay, Viera, Titusville, and the greater Brevard County area with convenient scheduling and expert care. We stay current with the latest advances in denture technology and care techniques, ensuring you receive the most effective maintenance recommendations available.
Understanding Your New Dentures
Your dentures are precision-crafted dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore your oral function. Whether you received complete dentures, partial dentures, or implant supported dentures, understanding their construction helps you care for them properly. These artificial teeth are made from durable materials that require specific cleaning methods to prevent damage and maintain their natural appearance.
Modern dentures consist of denture teeth attached to denture bases that rest on your gum tissue and underlying bone. The materials used can withstand normal bite force and daily wear, but they're not indestructible and require gentle, consistent care to prevent issues like oral ulcerations or ill fitting denture problems.
Daily Denture Cleaning Routine
Establishing a consistent daily cleaning routine is fundamental to successful denture care and your overall oral health. Proper denture cleaning prevents the buildup of food debris, harmful chemicals, and bacteria that can cause bad breath, gum irritation, and other complications.
Morning Care Steps
Start each day by removing your dentures and rinsing them thoroughly under lukewarm water. This removes any cleaning solution residue and debris that may have accumulated overnight. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth with a soft bristled brush to stimulate circulation and remove bacteria before inserting your clean dentures.
After-Meal Maintenance
Rinse dentures immediately after eating to remove food particles and prevent staining. If possible, remove your dentures and rinse both your mouth and the appliances with clean water. This simple step prevents food debris from causing irritation and helps maintain denture cleanliness throughout the day.
Need guidance on your daily routine? Call 321.259.8000 for personalized advice from our Melbourne team.
Overnight Denture Care
Most dental professionals, including the American Dental Association, recommend removing dentures overnight to allow your oral tissues to rest and recover. This practice prevents continuous pressure on your gum tissue and helps maintain healthy soft tissues.
Soak your dentures overnight in an appropriate cleaning solution or plain water to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape. Use denture soaking solutions according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring the solution covers the entire appliance. Always rinse dentures thoroughly before reinserting them to remove any cleaning solution residue that could irritate your mouth.
Foods to Enjoy and Avoid
Your diet plays a crucial role in successful denture wear and oral health. While you can enjoy most foods with properly fitting dentures, some modifications may be necessary initially.
Foods to Approach Carefully
- Very hard foods that could damage denture teeth
- Sticky or chewy foods that might dislodge dentures
- Foods with small seeds that can get trapped
- Extremely hot foods that might cause discomfort
- Very tough meats that require excessive chewing
Recommended Foods
- Soft proteins like fish, eggs, and tender meats
- Cooked vegetables and fruits
- Dairy products and smoothies
- Whole grains and pasta
- Foods cut into smaller, manageable pieces
Long-Term Denture Maintenance
Proper long-term care ensures your dentures remain functional and comfortable for years. Regular professional maintenance, combined with excellent daily care, maximizes your investment and prevents costly complications.
Schedule regular checkups with our Melbourne team to monitor the fit of your dentures and the health of your oral tissues. Changes in your mouth's shape over time may require denture adjustments or relining to maintain proper fit and function. Professional cleanings remove deposits that home care cannot eliminate, keeping your dentures looking and feeling their best.
Ready to schedule your maintenance appointment? Contact us at 321.259.8000 for expert denture care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my dentures?
You should clean your dentures daily, ideally after each meal and before bedtime. Rinse dentures after eating to remove food debris, and perform thorough cleaning with appropriate denture cleansers at least once daily. Overnight soaking in cleaning solution helps maintain denture cleanliness and prevents harmful chemical buildup.
Can I use regular toothpaste on my dentures?
No, regular toothpaste contains abrasives that can scratch and damage denture surfaces, creating areas where bacteria can accumulate. Always use cleaners specifically designed for dentures, following manufacturer instructions carefully. A soft bristled brush with denture cleanser provides effective cleaning without causing damage to your artificial teeth.
What should I do if my dentures break?
Contact our Melbourne office immediately if your dentures crack, chip, or break. Never attempt to repair dentures yourself using household glues or adhesives, as these can contain harmful chemicals and may make professional repair impossible. We can often provide same-day repairs or temporary solutions while creating replacement dentures if necessary.
How long do dentures typically last?
With proper care and regular professional maintenance, quality dentures can last five to ten years or longer. Factors affecting longevity include daily care habits, dietary choices, changes in your mouth's shape, and the original quality of construction. Regular checkups help identify when adjustments or replacements become necessary to maintain optimal function and comfort.
Keep Your Dentures in Top Shape with Help from Our Melbourne Dental Team
Maintaining your dentures doesn't have to be complicated when you have the right guidance and support. At Solid Bite in Melbourne, FL, our team of Dr. Lee N. Sheldon, Dr. Matt Sheldon, and Dr. Michel Furtado is dedicated to helping you get the maximum benefit from your denture investment. We provide ongoing education, professional maintenance, and personalized care recommendations to keep your smile healthy and confident.
Contact Solid Bite today at 321.259.8000 or visit our Melbourne dentist's office near you to schedule your denture care consultation and learn more about maintaining your beautiful, functional smile for years to come.