Dentures boast an extensive history, dating back to ancient civilizations, and their popularity continues as a favored solution for missing teeth. They not only reinstate functionality and aesthetics but also instill confidence to smile, converse, and eat with ease. If you’re new to denture-wearing, you might be curious about the ideal duration for wearing them without encountering complications. Read on as we delves into the facets of denture wear time, shedding light on why donning them continuously throughout the day and night might not be the most sensible choice.
Is it OK to Wear Dentures 24/7?
To guarantee proper acclimatization and avoid sore spots, it’s recommended to wear dentures for a minimum of eight hours daily. While dentures deliver cosmetic enhancements and bolster confidence, prolonged usage sans breaks can yield various undesirable outcomes, such as:
- Unfavorable Tissue Conditions: Continuous denture wear fosters an environment conducive to trapping moisture and food particles. This cultivates a breeding ground for bacteria. This, in turn, heightens the risk of oral health complications like gum disease, halitosis, and associated ailments.
- Denture Stomatitis: Characterized by inflammation and irritation of the mouth’s soft tissues covered by dentures, denture stomatitis can emerge due to factors such as subpar denture hygiene, improperly fitting dentures, and bacterial infections. This condition manifests through symptoms like tenderness, redness, swelling, and a burning sensation, causing discomfort during denture usage. In severe instances, denture stomatitis can contribute to gum disease and potential tooth loss.
- Respiratory Challenges: Sleeping with dentures elevates susceptibility to respiratory infections like colds and bronchitis, and even doubles the likelihood of contracting potentially life-threatening pneumonia. To uphold respiratory health and mitigate these risks, remove your dentures before you go to sleep.
- Accelerated Bone Degradation: Dentures exert pressure upon the underlying bony ridges and gums, potentially accelerating bone loss in these areas. This underscores the importance of periodic check-ups and adjustments to ensure optimal denture fit, thereby diminishing the risk of accelerated bone degeneration.
An Exception to the Rule
In the aftermath of tooth extraction, wearing dentures day and night is permissible during the initial nights. However, after a span of 72 hours, it becomes imperative to institute a denture hygiene regimen that involves removing them before sleeping. Wearing dentures continuously during the initial post-extraction phase aids in:
- Hemostasis: The applied pressure assists in controlling bleeding, encouraging blood clot formation and supporting the healing process.
- Edema Mitigation: Keeping dentures in place for several days post-extraction aids in navigating potential challenges posed by swelling, ensuring a smoother transition.
- Bone Adaptation: Continuous denture wear in the days following tooth extraction facilitates bone adaptation to the dentures’ contours. This fosters an improved fit and heightened long-term comfort.
About the Practice
Caring Way Dentistry of Port Charlotte is dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care for individuals seeking to bridge the gaps caused by missing teeth. Under the stewardship of Dr. Bryan Villescas, their team is committed to providing top-tier dental services. With a welcoming office ambiance and a genuine commitment to superior oral health, they ensure a stellar patient experience. For further insights into dentures or to schedule an appointment, visit Caring Way Dentistry of Port Charlotte’s website or call their office at (941) 627-9900.