If you have a snap-on denture, you might be tempted to keep sleep overnight without removing it. It might feel so comfortable that you don’t see the need to remove it. What should you know about sleeping in dentures that are secured with affordable dental implants?
Why Would Anyone Want to Sleep in a Snap-On Denture?
If you’re not familiar with snap-on dentures, they are a type of implant overdentures.
- An implant overdenture is an arch of teeth that are supported by at least two dental implants.
- A dentist, specialist, or oral surgeon places dental implants in the jawbone.
- After a healing period of several months, the jawbone and implants fuse to provide stable support for a denture.
A snap-on denture is an affordable option for dental implants
A snap-on denture is secured with just two dental implants, so it’s more affordable than other types of implant overdentures. The denture feels more stable, and it doesn’t slip around or fall out. Some people become so comfortable with the way their dentures fit that they forget to remove them at night—or they want to sleep in them.
Sleeping with Snap-On Denture
A traditional denture rests on your gums. It’s not good to sleep with it on because it puts continuous pressure on your jawbone and accelerates shrinkage. It also promotes the growth of bacteria. But a snap-on denture is different.
A snap-on denture snaps on and off dental implants. The denture rests on the implants, not on your gums. You can sleep while wearing it. But you must be diligent about daily cleaning the denture so you can keep your breath fresh and maintain good oral hygiene. Remember that saliva production decreases overnight, and as we age, so your mouth and dentures will need moisture and cleaning in the morning. Clean your snap-on denture at least once a day.
How to Clean Your Snap-On Denture
- Remove your denture and clean it with an extra-soft toothbrush and mild liquid soap or non-abrasive denture and gum paste. Avoid using regular toothpaste.
- Gently scrub the O-rings that snap onto the dental implant abutments (connectors that are attached to the top of implants).
- Remove food particles and debris and rinse your snap-on denture thoroughly.
- Clean your mouth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Brush your gum tissue, the roof of your mouth, tongue, and implant abutments.
- Many patients benefit from using a water flosser, which shoots a powerful stream of water to flush away any remaining debris in your mouth and around the implant.
- If you want to remove your denture overnight, place it in a water-filled denture box.
The longevity of your snap-on denture and affordable dental implants is partially dependent on how well you clean them. So even if you decide to sleep overnight while wearing your snap-on denture, remember to remove it daily and keep it clean.
Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.
