Get the most out of your dentures

He says all styles require ongoing care but even the most diligent brusher won’t be able to prevent their jaw changing shape over time. 

Both issues are critical to the effectiveness of a denture.

“If your denture is slipping, you’ve got a problem,” Ryan says. “It could be that cleaning wasn’t regular or the cleaning solution wasn’t very effective. This can allow plaque and calculus to build up not only on the teeth but also the denture itself, because that’s also a hard surface. 

“Bacteria can then multiply, which causes bad breath and makes it more likely you’ll get sore gums, ulcers and an infection.  You need to manually brush dentures to remove food debris and also soak them to remove stains, bacteria, plaque and calculus,” 

To ensure a good clean, Ryan recommends the Caldent cleaning solution. 

Caldent is much better than anything sold in supermarkets, he says, and costs only $25 for a four-month supply when bought from Dentures Plus, either online or over the counter. 

The clinic also has a specialised ultrasonic cleaning machine that together with Caldent can produce a clean in a few hours that would normally take a week at home. 

Dentures might last 10 years or more but they require checkups every 2-3 years to ensure people continue receiving the benefits of the investment they have already made. 

When the underlying bone changes shape as a natural part of ageing, gaps between the gum and denture can form, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and making slippage likely. 

The solution may be a reline. This involves resurfacing the inside of a denture to return the snug fit of new. 

Ryan says the easiest way to avoid problems is with a regular checkup programme. 

“It's like a warrant of fitness for your mouth. We look at the denture, gums, any remaining teeth and the tongue for any abnormalities such as potential oral cancers or growths – things that can become major problems if left unchecked.

“A loose denture can cause a lot of problems that are unnoticeable at first but then suddenly flare up. If we catch a problem early on, it's usually a simple fix to get you back on track,” he says.

Dentures Plus operate one of the most advanced denture clinics in Christchurch with a friendly, long-serving team who regularly welcome new patients. Services available to everyone, no matter where their denture was made.