Patients who have just gotten their dentures often ask if it’s safe to sleep with the appliances in. Generally, though, patients should remove the appliances before sleep.
However, if a patient really feels uncomfortable without the appliance at night, it is possible to sleep in dentures safely.
Patients who are prone to grinding their teeth while asleep should definitely remove their dentures at night, though. Doing so will protect your gum tissue and prevent damage to the appliances.
If you plan to wear your dentures for extended periods of time, check with your dentist to see how to do so safely. For example, you may want to brush your gums and palate with a soft-bristled brush before bed and after you wake up to help stimulate the circulation in the area. Your soft tissues do benefit from a break from the appliances to “breathe,” so to speak.
That being said, you don’t need to leave the dentures out any longer than overnight. In fact, if you do, you may develop swelling that will make it hard to put the denture back in.
When you do remove the dentures for sleep, be sure to store them in water. Hot water is not good for your dentures, though, as it can distort their shape. Depending on the design of your denture, you may take this opportunity to soak your dentures in a cleaning solution while you sleep, as well.
Your dentist can give you guidance on other aspects of caring for your denture. For example, the appliances should be cleaned daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The brush that you would use on your biological teeth may be too harsh for dentures and can damage them.
Patients who have any questions about the wear and care of their dentures should contact our office to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff about their concerns. We can give you ample advice on how to maintain your dentures to get the maximum benefit from them. For more information, call Family Smiles Dental Group today.