Dentures and Denture Care Houston, TX
Hermann Park Smiles provides dentures in Houston, TX: full dentures, partial dentures, and immediate dentures, along with the adjustments, repairs, relines, and replacements that keep them fitting well. This page covers what each type is, how the process works at our office, and how to care for dentures day to day.
If you would like to talk to someone directly for advice on your care regimen, Hermann Park Smiles is here for you. You may reach us by phone at (713) 522-1717. Our practice has experience treating patients in Houston and the surrounding area.
Taking Care of Dentures
Daily care for full and removable partial dentures follows a different regimen than care for natural teeth. For instance, as part of your routine after eating, you should rinse your dentures to remove any food particles and bacteria.
At least once a day, preferably before going to bed, you should follow these steps to keep your dentures clean and in good shape:
- Safely remove dentures after eating. A University of Michigan study recommends taking them out over a towel or sink filled with water. Dropping dentures, even just a few inches above a hard surface, can cause them to crack or break.
- Rinse and brush dentures with soft bristles and no toothpaste. Run your dentures under a sink to remove plaque and food particles. It is best to use brushes and cleaners specifically designed for dentures. Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquids are also acceptable cleaners. However, most household cleaners could damage dentures and are not advised. Never use toothpaste to clean dentures as it is too abrasive. After running your dentures under water, rinse and apply cleaner to the brush. Scrub your dentures gently, moving the brush’s bristles over every surface. Brushing too hard could alter the shape of the plastic and affect the metal band attachments.
- Put dentures in cool water or solution overnight. Dentures may only be placed in cool water as warm water can warp its shape. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dentures must also stay moist at all times. Some dentures should only be placed in water as a solution may dull the metal attachments. If a solution is advised, there are several popular brands to choose: Efferdent®, Polident®, and Retainer Brite®. We can recommend whether to use a solution in your daily denture care.
- Once dentures are set aside, brush your teeth and gums with a soft-bristled brush. Caring for partial dentures still requires regular flossing and brushing of natural teeth. When caring for full or partial dentures, brushing your gums and tongue stimulates circulation; this is especially important to do after affixing your dentures in the morning. Make sure to massage and wash out your mouth with salt water regularly when dentures are removed.
- Thoroughly wash off denture solution before placing them back in the mouth. Dentures should be rinsed to avoid ingesting solution. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, swallowing solution can cause irritation, swelling, or trouble breathing.
If the dentures are not removable and stick to the patient's gums, then the dentist will recommend a different cleaning regimen. In many cases, caring for implant dentures will be the same as taking care of permanent teeth with brushing twice a day.
“In many cases, caring for implant dentures will be the same as taking care of permanent teeth with brushing twice a day.”
How a Dentist Can Treat Your Denture Needs
Even if you have lost all your teeth, it is essential to seek professional dental care regularly. A dentist can advise the right treatment and cleaning techniques for your dentures. Patients with dentures should seek care every six months unless a dentist recommends otherwise. Dentists can also look for signs of oral cancer, perform routine cleaning, and examine dentures for fit.
Over time, you may need to adjust or repair your dentures. After receiving dentures, follow-up appointments are typically made for adjustments. If your dentures have breaks, chips, cracks, or a loose tooth, you should contact a dentist immediately. Most repairs and adjustments can be made on the same day. However, complex maintenance might need to be sent to a repair specialist. Your dentures will typically last five to ten years before needing replacement, but complete replacements can be made earlier.
“If your dentures have breaks, chips, cracks, or a loose tooth, you should contact a dentist immediately.”
Dentures in Houston: Full, Partial, and Immediate Options
Most people who land on this page want one of two things. They need dentures, or they have dentures that need work. Hermann Park Smiles handles both at our office on Almeda Road in Houston, TX 77004, close to Hermann Park and the Texas Medical Center.
A full denture replaces every tooth on the upper or lower arch. A partial denture replaces one or more missing teeth and clips to the natural teeth around the gap. The base is pink resin, the prosthetic teeth are matched to your own, and the whole piece comes out for sleep and gets cleaned every day. Left alone, the teeth on either side of a gap drift into it unevenly, which is why a partial is worth considering even for a single missing tooth.
Immediate dentures are made before your extractions, so you leave that appointment with teeth in place rather than waiting for the permanent set. They are a temporary solution while the permanent dentures are being made. Because the gums and jaw change shape as they heal, an immediate denture usually needs adjustments or a reline before it settles.
Patients who want a denture that stays put can ask about implant supported dentures and All-on-4, which hold the denture on dental implants rather than resting it on the gums. We go through the trade-offs between a removable denture, a bridge, and implants at your consultation. If you want to read ahead, our guide to dentures vs implants vs bridges covers the same ground.
The Process for Getting Dentures at Hermann Park Smiles
The first appointment is an exam, images, and impressions of your mouth. If teeth need to come out first, we talk through that before anything is made. If you have chosen immediate dentures, this is also the visit where they are fitted.
From the impressions, a model of your mouth is cast, and you try sample sets to settle the shade, size, and shape of the teeth. A dental laboratory then builds the denture, starting with a wax version that you and the dentist approve before the final acrylic is processed.
Fitting appointments come next. A denture that rubs or rocks is not one you will keep wearing, so we check the bite and the seal against the gums and adjust until it sits comfortably. The immediate dentures process runs to four or five visits, and conventional dentures follow a similar rhythm.
The first few weeks with new dentures take some getting used to. Start with soft foods, cut everything into small pieces, and chew on both sides of the mouth rather than with the front teeth. Reading out loud in front of a mirror helps with speech. Extra saliva and a few sore spots are normal early on and fade as the mouth adjusts. The follow-up visits in those first weeks are where we smooth the sore spots out.
Denture Repairs, Adjustments, and Relines in Houston
A denture that is loose, sore, cracked, or missing a tooth is a reason to call us, not a reason to reach for a repair kit. Most adjustments and simple repairs are done the same day. Larger repairs, such as a base that has cracked through, may mean we keep the denture for a few days or send it to a repair specialist.
If your denture breaks when the office is closed, our post on whether an emergency dentist can repair broken dentures explains what to do in the meantime.
Relines address fit rather than damage. As the gums and jawbone reshape after tooth loss, a denture that once fit well starts to slip, and adhesive only masks the change. A reline adds new material to the base so it hugs the gums again. There are three kinds:
- Hard reline. Acrylic, the same material as the original base. It lasts around two years before the gums have usually changed enough to need another.
- Soft reline. A silicone-based lining that is gentler on tender gums and can last a little longer than a hard reline.
- Temporary reline. A medicated soft lining used to calm swollen, irritated gums, so that accurate new impressions can be taken once the tissue has settled.
Signs that mean a visit: visible cracks or chips in the teeth or the base, a denture that moves when you eat or talk, pressure sores, or discomfort that has not eased.
Denture Replacement: When a Reline Is Not Enough
With good care, a set of dentures lasts around five to ten years. Worn teeth, repeated repairs, and a base that has stopped matching the shape of the ridge all point toward replacement rather than another reline. A rebase, which replaces the whole base while keeping the teeth, sits between the two.
If you are not sure which you need, bring the denture in. We check the fit, the teeth, and the tissue underneath, and tell you plainly whether a reline, a rebase, or a new set makes sense.
Questions about paying for dentures are common. Our financing options page covers payment plans, including plans with no credit check. Our office serves denture patients from Houston and nearby areas including Bellaire, West University Place, Pearland, Pasadena, and Missouri City. Call (713) 522-1717 to book a denture consultation or a repair visit.
In-Home Care for Dentures
Do not attempt to adjust or repair dentures by yourself. Do-it-yourself kits can permanently damage dentures or harm one's oral health. Household glues should never be used as they can contain harmful chemicals if swallowed. The U.S. FDA warns against overuse of denture adhesives and suggests to use only use as a temporary solution when dentures become loose. Certain denture bonding products have Zinc, which may cause health problems if used in excess. When used responsibly, you may choose from a variety of denture adhesives, such as Fixodent® Original, Super Poligrip®, and DenTek® Secure. For more information on how to repair or adjust your dentures, you may contact us to speak with a qualified professional.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and consistent dentures cleaning can help reduce the number of visits to a dentist. For partial dentures, clean the teeth that rest under the metal clasps diligently as plaque tends to build under the clasps. Avoid using whitening toothpaste on natural teeth. Never use products containing bleach on your dentures as it can tarnish the metal attachments. Eating well-balanced meals also contributes to a healthy mouth. For more useful tips on denture care, contact one of our Hermann Park Smiles dentists.
“Never use products containing bleach on your dentures as it can tarnish the metal attachments.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Denture Care in Houston, TX
What to Do if You Damage Your Dentures
While dentures are durable when in use, they are not invincible. Simply dropping the dentures on a rough surface can break, chip, or damage the dentures. If this happens, it is crucial to seek our professional services for repairs. The patient needs to protect the dentures to prevent further damage and should not try to wear them if the dentures are too damaged. We can ensure the dentures receive the repairs they need to function properly without irritating the patient's mouth when in use.
Repairing dentures is not the time for patients to attempt a DIY (Do It Yourself) project. One wrong move can damage the dentures further and increase the risk of harming the patient's mouth. During the appointment, we will determine the extent of the damage before developing the patient's treatment plan. In some cases, the repairs may take several appointments to complete. The length of treatment time will depend entirely on the condition of the dentures and the issue we need to repair.
Once complete, we will make sure the dentures fit the patient's mouth and send them on their way. If there are any future concerns or questions about proper denture care, our team can help during a consultation.
“We can ensure the dentures receive the repairs they need to function properly without irritating the patient’s mouth when in use.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the proper way to take care of my dentures?
Q. Can a dentist help ensure my dentures are in good condition?
Q. How do I clean my dentures?
Q. Should I contact you immediately after damaging my dentures?
Q. What types of dentures do you offer in Houston?
Q. How does the process for getting dentures work?
Q. Can you adjust, repair, or reline my dentures?
Q. When should dentures be replaced?
People Also Ask
Q. What should I do if I have damaged my dentures?
Q. What should I do if my dentures start to feel uncomfortable?
Q. How should new denture wearers change their eating practices?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does effective denture care include adjustments and repair?
A. It is never a good idea to attempt to fix or adjust dentures yourself. If there is a problem with the dentures, then schedule an appointment with us to fix it. Denture care does not mean the patient will need significant repairs each time.
Q. With good denture care, how long will dentures last?
A. Proper care can help patients get the most wear out of their dentures. On average, patients should look to replace their dentures every five to 10 years. The mouth may change over time, while the jaw bone may shift and require a new set of dentures after this time period.
Q. What other supplies are necessary for cleaning dentures?
A. Patients should stock up on a few supplies for maximum denture comfort and cleanliness. Besides using a solution to soak the dentures, patients need a denture adhesive, such as Fixodent®, Sea Bond®, or Poligrip®. A soft toothbrush for cleaning the mouth and a separate one for the dentures are also essential supplies for a healthy mouth.
Q. Does routine denture care mean more visits to the dentist?
A. Maintaining excellent denture care could help patients avoid visiting the dentist repeatedly for denture problems. Part of caring for the dentures involves routine visits to the dentist yearly. It is essential to make an appointment with our dentist if you're experiencing discomfort or other denture problems.
Q. Can cleaning dentures whiten them?
A. Cleaning dentures with the right products after every meal can keep stains from setting in. Brushing and soaking can help dentures appear brighter and whiter. Avoid using abrasive cleansers, which could cause the material to wear away.
Q. How do I know if a denture care product is effective?
A. When choosing products, look for the seal from the American Dental Association. Products with an ADA seal have been proven safe with clinical studies. The doctor or another member of our staff can give you additional denture product recommendations.
Q. Do you make dentures in Houston, or only repair them?
A. Both. Hermann Park Smiles provides full, partial, and immediate dentures at our Houston office, and handles adjustments, repairs, relines, and replacements.
Q. What is the difference between full and partial dentures?
A. A full denture replaces every tooth on an arch. A partial denture replaces one or more missing teeth and clips to the natural teeth around the gap, so it needs healthy teeth to hold onto. Both are removable and are cleaned daily.
Q. How long does it take to get dentures?
A. It depends on whether extractions are needed and which type you choose. Immediate dentures are fitted at the extraction appointment and typically take four to five visits to complete. Conventional dentures follow impressions, a try-in, and fitting appointments over a series of visits.
Q. Can you repair my dentures the same day?
A. Most adjustments and simple repairs can be made the same day. A base that has cracked through, or a repair that needs a specialist, may take a few days. Call (713) 522-1717 and describe the damage, and we will tell you what to expect.
Q. When should dentures be replaced rather than relined?
A. A reline fixes fit by adding material to the base. Replacement is the better call when the teeth are worn, the denture has needed repeated repairs, or the base has stopped matching the shape of the ridge. Dentures typically last five to ten years, and a rebase sits between the two options.
Q. Do you offer implant supported dentures in Houston?
A. Yes. Implant supported dentures and All-on-4 hold the denture on dental implants rather than resting it on the gums. They suit patients who want a denture that does not move when they eat or speak. Ask about them at your consultation.
Q. Do you take insurance or offer financing for dentures?
A. We accept PPO insurance and offer financing options, including payment plans with no credit check. Our financing options page lists each option.
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Denture Terminology
A Houston Team Is Ready to Help with Denture Care
If you are interested in restoring your smile with a fully-functional set of teeth, give us a call at 713-522-1717. We will schedule an appointment as soon as possible and set you on the path to a better, brighter smile. We will customize the dentures to match the size of your mouth and find the right fit.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
About our business, license, and website security
- Hermann Park Smiles was established in 2016.
- We accept the following payment methods: Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Harris County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Houston, Second Ward, Galena Park, Park Place, Southside Place, Third Ward, Pearland, and Texas Medical Center
- TX (License #26378). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1689909194). View NPI Registry Information
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