Sleeping with partial dentures

Put simply, dentures need to be taken out at night in order to give your gums a chance to rest.

When you wear dentures all the time, they can rub against your gums and cause irritation. This can lead to soreness, inflammation, and even infection.

Leaving your dentures in overnight also gives plaque and bacteria a chance to build up, which can lead to gum disease. So, while it may seem like a hassle, taking your dentures out at night is actually best for your oral health.

Let's take a further look as to why.

 

What are dentures?

Dentures are a form of false teeth that replace missing teeth. They're removable and can be used on the upper or lower jaw.

Dentures usually come in the form of:

Complete dentures: When all teeth are replaced on the upper and lower jaw.

Partial dentures: One or a few missing teeth are replaced.

Implant-supported dentures: Non-removable dentures that are secured with dental implants.

While they're effective, dentures require demanding upkeep, including the use of a specialist non-abrasive denture cleaner to keep them bacteria-free, as well as strict storage instructions to maintain their shape.

It's a pretty long process, too, with immediate dentures needed while the final product gets made. Some patients wait months from the initial consultation to the final fitting and adjustments.

 

Benefits of Not Sleeping With Your Dentures

There are numerous benefits to your natural teeth and overall health when you take out your dentures at night, including:

Prevents bone loss

Dentures put pressure on your gums and the bone underneath, which can cause loss of density in the bone.

Ensures a tighter fit

When you lose bone and your gums start to recede, your dentures will usually become loose. This makes it more likely for them to slip or fall out and can also limit the types of food you can eat.

Stops bacteria growth

The mucous membrane where your dentures and gums meet is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, leading to oral health problems. Wear your dentures during sleep and you're depriving your gums of a chance to rest free from bacteria.

Prevents gum inflammation

Wearing dentures to bed can prevent saliva from properly flowing, which encourages the growth of thrush. Thrush is a yeast infection that causes redness and swelling beneath your dentures, as well as inflamed gums.

How to Care for Dentures Overnight

If you're not careful, dentures can become stained and smelly overnight. Here are a few tips to help you keep your dentures clean and fresh:

• Rinse your dentures after every meal. This will help remove any food particles and bacteria.

• Brush your dentures at least once a day. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush so you don't damage the dentures.

• Soak your dentures in a denture cleaning solution overnight. This will help remove stubborn bacteria and leftover denture adhesive.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your dentures clean and fresh overnight. So there's no need to worry about waking up with bad breath or yellow teeth.

 

When should you go to the dentist?

If you have dentures, you should see your dentist regularly (whether you wear partial dentures or complete dentures) so they can check for any problems.

Dentures can last for several years if they are properly cared for.

Your dentures may no longer fit as well as they once did as your gums and jawbone shrink, causing them to become loose or worn.

If you have any of the following problems, you should go to the dentist as soon as possible:

• When you talk, your dentures click.

• Your dentures are slipping or don't appear to fit properly.

• Your dentures are making you uncomfortable.

• Your dentures appear to be worn out.

• Gum disease or tooth decay symptoms, such as bleeding gums or bad breath, are present.

Poorly fitting or worn dentures can cause a lot of pain, mouth sores, infections, and eating and speaking issues if they aren't replaced.

Want an alternative to dentures?

At instasmile, we offer snap-on veneers, which can be a great alternative to traditional dentures for those scared to visit the dentist. 

Denture care and instasmile care are pretty similar, but there are a few things that set them apart, including:

Cost

instasmile is much cheaper, with dentures costing between $300 and $8,000, depending on where you get them from.

instasmile costs between $350 and $750 depending on whether you opt for classic or dynamic, and require them for the top, bottom, or both arches.

Choice of color

With dentures, your dentists will likely match the color of your existing teeth. If you choose a different shade, you'll have to undergo further treatment (such as teeth whitening) to maintain an even and uniform smile.

With instasmile, you can choose from one of four colors based on the look you want to achieve. Since it will cover all of the teeth, you don't have to worry about mismatched tones.

Speed

If you want a new smile fast, instasmile is the way to go.

You don't have to wait around for an appointment that suits you, or for your dentures to be made.

With instasmile, you can have your new smile clipped in and ready to go in a matter of weeks (once your impressions have been approved).

No dental visits

Not everyone can take time out of their busy day to spend hours in the dental chair.

With instasmile, you can complete your smile assessment online and take your impressions at home, all at a time that's most convenient to you.

*Please note, you will only be deemed eligible for instasmile if you have a minimum of three teeth on the row you want to cover (one of the front four teeth and one on either side). More information can be found on the online smile assessment. 

 

Get instasmile today

Ready to improve your whole smile, not just replace missing teeth?

Choose instasmile as your denture alternative.

All you need to do is complete an online smile assessment for the next steps.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are instasmile veneers easy to clean?

They are!

Similar to dentures, you should wash them with warm water and a soft-bristled brush after every use to remove any food residue.

1-2 times a week, it's recommended to use denture cleanser (also known as denture tablets) to disinfect your instasmile and remove any unseen bacteria. This doesn't just keep your instasmile clean, but also helps with oral hygiene and keeping your gums healthy, as you won't be wearing dirty dental appliances.

Is instasmile comfortable?

Yes!

instasmile is made to your unique measurements, using our accurate and easy-to-use at-home impression kit.

We will also hand-refine your smile to ensure it fits flush to your gums and teeth - you can wear them all day without them moving out of place or digging into your gums.

Can I sleep with instasmile?

Like dentures, it's not advised to sleep while wearing instasmile overnight. This can cause bacteria build-up and lead to infections, bad breath, and discoloration of your natural teeth.

Sleeping with instasmile can also damage the appliance. If the veneers grind together in the night, they can break. It can also cause gum irritation if slept in.