How Long Can You Wear Your Dentures in a Day?

Whether you need to replace several teeth or an entire arch, dentures are a wonderful option for restoring your pearly whites. They bring back the confidence that comes with a complete and natural-looking smile. Additionally, they return the abilities that come with having a full set of teeth, such as bite power. You can also count on your prosthetic to last up to 10 years or more. However, despite all these benefits, it’s essential to give your mouth a daily break from your dentures. Read on to learn about the optimal time for wearing them in a 24-hour period.

The Importance of Daily Breaks from Your Dentures

Since dentures give you all the benefits of having a complete smile, it can be tempting to keep them in all the time. However, it’s important to take them out of your mouth on a regular basis. If you don’t, it can lead to several issues, such as:

• Inflammation: The moist, dark space between your dentures and your gums is an ideal place for harmful bacteria to grow. This can potentially lead to denture stomatitis, which is a painful inflammation in the areas covered by your prosthetic.
• Breathing Issues: If your dentures aren’t taken out regularly to be cleaned, it increases the chances of an overgrowth of bacteria on them. By breathing in these harmful microbes, you are likely to suffer from pneumonia.
• Jawbone Deterioration: If your mouth is consistently exposed to the pressures of dentures, it can accelerate the process of bone loss. As time goes on, this can cause your prosthetic to not fit properly anymore.

So, How Long Can You Wear Your Dentures?

In general, it is recommended to take your dentures out for at least 6 to 8 hours on a daily basis. That means you should not be wearing your prosthetic for more than 16 to 18 hours in a single 24-hour period. For most people, the best time to take them out is at night. As your body is resting and restoring while you sleep, so will your gums!

Tips on Caring for Your Removed Dentures

When you give your mouth a break from your dentures, it’s time to clean them thoroughly to remove plaque, food particles, and other substances. As you store them in a safe place for the night, place them in a mild denture-soaking solution to keep them from drying out and losing their shape.

Getting a complete smile with dentures can be life-changing, but it is important to give your mouth a break from them for a certain amount of time. By doing so, you will not only keep your prosthetic in top condition but your smile as well!

About the Practice

Bristol Family Dental is eager to help you return to a whole and functional smile through the expertise of their team of dentists. They offer a full range of dental services, including full and partial dentures. With a focus on advanced dental technology and customized plans, they can help you rebuild your teeth and ensure their success for years to come. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (860) 589-2794.