Can You Sleep with Partial Dentures?
The short answer to whether or not it is safe to sleep with partial dentures is, “no,” but we encourage you to keep reading to learn why. You’ll also learn more about what alternatives are available to you from our dentist in Sugar Land, TX, for tooth restoration.
Why You Need to Remove Partial Dentures at Night
If you’re wondering what happens if you sleep with dentures, an analogy that might be helpful is not removing your shoes when you sleep at night. Sure, you may be able to get to sleep and stay asleep while wearing your shoes, but there are health risks associated with the practice. Just as your feet need to be exposed to fresh air to avoid bacteria and fungus build-up, the same is true with your gum tissue. Fungus build-up leads to infection of human tissue, whether it’s on your feet or in your mouth. Likewise, that infection causes undesirable side effects such as odor and increased necrotic tissue.
If you need to sleep with your partial dentures, you’ll be fine for one night. Repeated practice of not removing them during the night can lead to conditions like damage to your dental appliance. In some cases, you will need to replace the entire appliance. Factoring that cost into whether or not you should sleep with your dentures may help make the decision clearer.
The Benefits of Partial Dentures in Sugar Land, TX
Even though you can’t sleep with dentures, many advantages make them an ideal choice in tooth replacement – the first being increased self-confidence. They also restore the function of your bite and your ability to speak clearly. An anatomical perspective prevents facial muscles from drooping, which can immediately add years to your appearance. And last, partial dentures can be customized to fit comfortably and look natural, thanks to the many advancements in modern tooth replacement. If you’re searching for “dentures near me,” we invite you to book a consultation with our dentist and her team at Bella Smiles Cosmetic and Family Dentistry for a consultation and treatment plan.
Alternatives to Partial Dentures
Two options you may want to ask us about are dental bridges and dental implants. Although they can be more costly than partial dentures, they offer many advantages that warrant the additional investment in your smile – plus, you don’t need to remove them at night!
A dental bridge consists of a false tooth anchored to your adjoining teeth with dental crowns. Because the tooth is permanent in its placement, you can treat it like any of your natural teeth concerning sleeping and oral hygiene. Plus, its permanent nature means patients won’t have to worry about changes in their facial structure, such as sagging and drooping. Our dentist performs dental bridges on patients who want the security and convenience of a natural-type tooth rather than a tooth that needs replacing at night for sleeping.
Another option to consider for permanent tooth replacement is a dental implant. Dental implants are the most durable of all tooth replacement options, especially when factored against cost. Because they can last a lifetime, they are an excellent investment. Since an implant affixes to your jawbone, it preserves facial structure.
Treatment times for a dental bridge and a dental implant are different. A dental bridge procedure finishes in as few as two appointments in many cases. By contrast, a dental implant often requires multiple appointments spread over several months. Their cost is often similar, so the deciding factor for patients frequently boils down to durability, comfort, performance, and natural appearance. That said, if you are comfortable removing your partial dentures at night for cleaning and sleeping, they can be a great option in tooth replacement.