How To Realign Dentures
Dentures can be a real lifesaver for those who have encountered no other alternative. They can give you back your smile and provide confidence in social settings. However, bone reabsorption and gum shrinkage can cause the dentures to shift and become uncomfortable.
Items needed:
- Soft denture pad
- Wide mouth bowel
- White distilled vinegar
- Baking soda
- Warm water
- Cold water for rinsing
- Scissors
- Denture approved toothpaste
- Denture brushes
- Buy a soft denture pad. There are many soft denture pads available on the market today to assist in the fitting and comfort of your dentures. Choose a brand that you are comfortable with or ask a friend to recommend one. You may also research the best brand for you by going online and running a search for 'soft denture pads'.
- Soak your dentures. Remove the dentures and place them in a wide mouthed bowl. Pour in enough hot water to cover completely. Add one teaspoon of white distilled vinegar and one teaspoon baking soda. Permit at least one hour of soak time. Rinse in cold water.
- Wash the dentures. Using denture approved toothpaste and denture brushes, thoroughly cleanse the dentures, making certain to clean the portion of the device that rests directly against the gums as well as the teeth and gum portions. Rinse with cold water.
- Preparing the pad. Take the soft denture pad of your choice and place it in the area of the dentures that rest directly on your gums. Allowing for a bit of overlap for additional comfort, use your scissors to trim away any excess padding that might remain.
- Mold the pad. Remove the pad from the denture and run it under first warm water, followed by cold water. Warm water activates a compound in the pad, making it malleable in your hand. Cold water prevents it from becoming too malleable. Fit the pad back into the denture and begin to mold it carefully with your fingers into the gum contact area until the pad smoothly contours the denture.
- Fit the denture. Place the denture into your mouth and gently bite down to allow the pad to form a fit to your gum. Hold this position for one to two minutes before releasing. This allows a vacuum to form between your gums, and the newly placed pad, providing better alignment and comfort.
- See your dentist. This type of realignment is noted as a ‘soft’ realign and not to be used as a replacement for a trip to your personal dentist. If your issue persists, your dentist can do what is called a ‘hard realign’ wherein they manually smooth and re-contours your dentures for a better, long lasting fit.