After some time in use, a removable denture can become scratched, lose its shine and pick up dirt easily. Many people want to deal with it at home, but doing it the wrong way can damage the denture further.
- Scratches on a denture hold plaque, stains and odour easily.
- Light scratches can be polished again by the dentist or technician.
- Do not grind it yourself, soak it in hot water or scrub with strongly abrasive toothpaste.
- Daily brushing and regular check ups help a denture scratch less.
A removable denture has an acrylic base and acrylic or porcelain teeth, and over time small scratches appear from brushing, chewing and cleaning. These scratches hold plaque, food and stains easily, so the denture soon turns yellow, picks up an odour and can inflame the gums.
Can a scratched denture be polished again?
For light scratches on the acrylic surface, the dentist or technician can polish it again with specialised tools. This makes the denture smoother and less likely to hold dirt. A denture that is badly worn, has lost its bite or has cracked needs assessing to decide whether it can be repaired or a new one is better, see whether a cracked or broken denture can be repaired.
What you should not do yourself
- Do not grind or rub the denture with sandpaper, a knife or strong abrasives, which can thin and distort it.
- Do not soak it in hot water or strong bleach, because acrylic can warp and fade.
- Do not scrub it with toothpaste containing strong abrasive grains, since it will scratch the denture more.
Cleaning so the denture scratches less
- Brush the denture daily with a soft brush and mild soap or a cleaner made specially for dentures.
- Clean it over a basin lined with a towel so it does not break if dropped.
- Take it out at night and store it properly, see whether to take dentures out when sleeping.
- Have regular check ups so the dentist can check the fit and polish it when needed, see caring for removable dentures and dentures with tartar, yellowing or odour.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can bring your denture in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, so the dentist can check it and polish or repair it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a scratched denture be polished again?
Light scratches on the acrylic surface can be polished again by the dentist or technician. A badly worn or cracked denture needs assessing to decide between repair and a new one.
Should I grind a denture myself at home?
No, because sandpaper or strong abrasives can thin and distort the denture. Let the dentist or technician deal with it.
How do I keep a denture from scratching?
Brush it with a soft brush and a suitable cleaner, avoid toothpaste with strong abrasive grains and do not soak it in hot water.