Dentures are prosthetic devices made to replace missing natural teeth, which can restore a person’s smile and facilitate proper speech and chewing abilities. Various types of dentures can be used depending on an individual’s needs. This article will discuss some popular types and their recommended wear times.
One such option is palateless dentures, which do not include a plate covering the upper palate. However, it’s essential to consult a dentist before deciding about wear habits.
Are there dentures you can wear all the time?
Yes, you can always wear palateless dentures as long as your dentist agrees.
Palateless dentures are any upper dentures devoid of a plate covering the upper palate, such as dental implants, overdentures, fixed or removable restorations, and horseshoe-framed dentures.
Palateless dentures are a modern solution for those who have lost all their upper teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, palateless dentures do not cover the entire roof of the mouth, improving taste, sensation and functionality. These dentures can be made using various methods, such as dental implants, natural tooth-retained overdentures, fixed/removable restorations or conventional dentures with a horseshoe-shaped frame.
It is generally advised to wear removable and traditional dentures for six to eight hours daily to maintain comfort and oral health, with removal at night to prevent potential issues. However, fixed dentures can be worn continuously without the need for regular removal.
Is It Safe to Leave Dentures in All the Time?
It is not safe to wear traditional or removable dentures all the time. But you can wear fixed dentures all the time. If you are wearing traditional or removable dentures, the gums need a break from the pressure and friction of dentures to avoid irritation and sores.
Additionally, wearing dentures continuously can create a moist environment that fosters bacterial and fungal growth, leading to infections and other health risks. Proper denture care includes removing them for at least six to eight hours every day to promote oral health.
What Happens if You Wear Your Dentures All the Time?
Wearing dentures all the time can have significant implications for oral health and overall well-being. Understanding the potential effects of continuous denture wear is crucial for individuals with dentures to make informed decisions about their dental care.
The following are reasons why you should not wear dentures all the time:
- Unhealthy Tissue: Dentures covering soft tissues continuously can lead to bacterial growth, causing disease, bad breath and inflammation.
- Respiratory issues: Wearing dentures while sleeping increases the risk of colds, respiratory infections and pneumonia due to exposure to bacteria present on dentures. According to Hiroyuki Ohbayashi, a researcher from the Japanese Respiratory Society, and Mitsuru Adachi in a study published in the Respiratory Investigation Journal in 2012, dentures affect the oral residues of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) in elderly asthmatic patients and influence the occurrence of candidiasis, especially in patients using hydrofluoroalkane-beclomethasone dipropionate (HFA-BDP). The study was conducted over four weeks in a crossover manner with 20 elderly patients using different types of ICSs and wearing dentures daily.
- Bone loss: Wearing dentures 24/7 contributes to faster bone loss in the jaw, compromising their proper alignment and function.
- Faster denture breakdown: Removing dentures for at least six to eight hours daily allows them to maintain their shape and durability, prolonging their lifespan.
- Poor oral hygiene: Not removing dentures for proper cleaning and rinsing creates a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal growth, leading to bad breath, infections and other oral health issues.
- Gums get sore: Wearing dentures, especially 24/7, can be hard on the gums. The constant pressure applied causes soreness and inflammation.
- The chance of denture-related stomatitis increasing: This condition, characterized by an infected palate, is more common in those wearing full upper dentures. Removing dentures at night helps prevent the palate from getting infected.
- Resorption and bone loss accelerate: Wearing dentures puts constant pressure on the bones under the gums, leading to resorption and bone loss. This can cause false teeth to become loose and may affect facial expressions and appearance.
- Allow gum tissues to rest: Wearing dentures all day prevents the gum tissues from resting. Removing them for a few hours daily promotes good oral health and helps maintain proper oral hygiene.
To maintain good oral health and the longevity of dentures, it is essential to remove them for at least six to eight hours daily, preferably overnight.
When should you not wear your dentures?
Do not wear your dentures:
- When sleeping: Dentures can shift during sleep, potentially causing discomfort or damage to your gums.
- During strenuous physical activity: Dentures can become loose or fall out during vigorous exercise.
- When eating hard or sticky foods: These foods can damage or dislodge dentures.
- When cleaning them: Dentures should be removed for cleaning and soaking.
- If you have sores or irritation in your mouth, dentures can worsen these conditions.
- If you have any dental work done, Your dentist may advise against wearing dentures for a period after specific procedures.
What is the difference between denture-supported implants and denture-retained implants?
This table compares the characteristics and considerations of denture-supported implants versus denture-retained implants, including factors such as the number of implants required, cost, and need for additional procedures like bone augmentation.
| Feature | Denture-supported implants | Denture-retained implants |
| Support mechanism | Dentures are supported by implants placed in the jawbone. | Dentures are retained by attachments or clips that connect to implants in the jawbone. |
| Stability | Dentures are more stable since they are directly supported by implants. | Dentures are less stable than denture-supported implants because they rely on attachments for retention. |
| Retention | Dentures are held in place by the implants, not by suction or adhesives. | Dentures are held in place by attachments that connect to implants. |
| Removal | Dentures can be removed for cleaning but require more force than denture-retained implants. | Dentures are easily removable for cleaning. |
| Cost | More expensive than denture-retained implants. | Less expensive than denture-supported implants. |
| Procedure complexity | More complex procedure that involves implant placement and denture fabrication. | Less complex procedure that involves implant placement and attachment fabrication. |
| Suitable for | Patients with significant bone loss or who prefer a more stable denture. | Patients with minimal bone loss who prefer a more affordable and less invasive option. |
FAQ
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What are horseshoe dentures without implants?
Horseshoe dentures without implants are an alternative to conventional maxillary dentures, also known as palateless dentures. They are crafted into a horseshoe shape, only covering the gums of your missing teeth and are more prone to breakage than their full-palate counterparts. These dentures rest on the upper and lower dentures but do not rely on implants for support and retention. Any lab can make roofless upper dentures, which can be horseshoe-shaped but may also have a strap on them.
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Should you wear your dentures every day?
You can wear fixed dentures every day. But it’s best to wear removable dentures for about eight hours a day and remove them when sleeping. Removing traditional dentures for six to eight hours a day is advisable to allow your gums to rest and reduce the risk of oral health problems.
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How long should you wear dentures each day?
Unless you have fixed hybrid dentures, you should only wear removable dentures for six to 12 hours (maximum limit) a day, allowing your mouth to recover throughout the night.
It’s generally recommended that you take them out when you go to bed, but you should avoid eating with your dentures in the beginning. After the first month, you should be used to your dentures; the fit may change over time.
Wearing removable dentures 24/7 is not advisable since it can lead to various issues, such as gum irritation and bone loss. -
What happens if you don’t wear your dentures?
Neglecting to wear dentures can lead to a less-pleasing appearance, impacting your self-image and how others perceive you. If you stop wearing dentures for days or weeks, the jaw relationship may change, making dentures ill-fitting and prone to quickly falling out. There is evidence that wearing dentures during sleep can increase the risk of diseases like pneumonia. If you go a month or two without dentures, chances are you’ll never be able to wear them again.
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Do dentures shorten your life?
The statement that dentures shorten your life is not accurate. Dentures do not have any inherent negative impact on life expectancy.
The misconception that dentures shorten lifespan is likely due to the connection between poor oral health and various health issues that can impact longevity.
However, some factors associated with dentures can indirectly affect overall health and potentially impact lifespan:
– Nutritional deficiencies: Certain types of dentures can make it difficult to chew some foods, reducing essential nutrient intake. This can result in nutritional deficiencies, which can impact overall health.
– Oral health complications: Ill-fitting dentures can cause oral sores, gum infections, and difficulty chewing and swallowing correctly. These complications can affect overall nutrition and health, potentially contributing to a decline in life expectancy.
– Impact on overall well-being: Denture-wearers may experience decreased self-esteem and social interactions because of difficulties speaking clearly or concerns about dentures becoming loose. Social isolation, anxiety and depression can negatively impact mental and emotional health, potentially affecting life expectancy.
To determine the right tooth-replacement option for your, contact a Certified TeethXpress Provider today.
