Reddit mentions: The best denture care

A newbie myself but, as said above, definitely take care when removing the keycaps. The stems are prone to breaking and getting stuck in the switch.

 

Since you have to take the switches apart in order to swap out the sliders for the Nexus sliders, invest in a cheapo ultrasonic cleaner. That is the one I got and, while not the best, it gets the job done. Get one of these as well.

1. Take all the switches apart. You should have the slider, the top housing, the spring, the tactile leaf, and the bottom housing with the contact leaf. Some people like to take out the contact leaf from the bottom housing but I like to leave it in.
   
   
2. Clean each group of parts in the ultrasonic cleaner with cool water and 1-2 dental tabs. I use cool water because the water gets pretty warm after 10-15 minutes of cleaning.
   
   
3. Once cleaned, lay them out on something like a napkin separated from each other, place them somewhere where they can stay relatively dust free (otherwise why even clean it) and let them dry for minimum 24 hours. Mine dried quicker but better safe than sorry.
   
    
   
   Since you say the springs are light for your tastes (same for me) you can buy replacement springs. People will warn you about SPRiT because of how he handled things in the past but he's the only person I know of who has Alps replacement springs. For me to truly enjoy these switches, I needed heavier springs so I decided to reach out to SPRiT through his website and hope for the best. I got my first order and my second order from him has already shipped. (Do note that Korea Post took about 35 days to deliver to me and the tracking didn't update at all since it left Korea. This may not be their fault, though, as I later realized I was using a service called Aftership and not Korea Posts website to track my order.)
   
   
    
   
   I'm no lubing expert but I have lubed some alps using RO59. I've been recommended this lube, as well. The basic gist of lubing goes:
   
   
4. Lube the two sides of the slider.
   
   
5. (Optional) Lube the two sides of the slider that make contact with the tactile leaf and contact leaf. This will likely cause a decrease in tactility.
   
   
6. Lube the rails of the top housing where the slider makes contact.
   
   
7. (Optional) Lube the inside of the slider, where the spring goes mainly.
   
   
8. (Optional) Lube the spring.
   
    
   
   Putting it all back together is pretty simple. If you're patient enough to wait, I'd go ahead and wait for the Nexus GB to ship. If not, Alps switches are able to be opened without desoldering, so you can go ahead and do a build now and replace the slider later.
   
    
   
    
   
   I hope I've helped :)

> Have you experienced any bone loss or changes in your face?

No bone loss. It takes years for the loss to be detrimental to getting implants.

I look older when my teeth are out but once they are back in I look younger/my age.
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>
> How often do you have to return to the dentist? How long can a set of dentures last before you need them refitted?

In the beginning I went A LOT. I got immediate dentures. So as the swelling went down they needed to be adjusted and have the sides shaved down and some spots smoothed out.

This step is important because it can slow your recovery time down. Ill fitting dentures is not the way to live.

I was told every 7 years or so it's good to have them replaced but the dentist will look them over and recommend it when it's time.
>
> Do you have any fitting issues with the dentures? How long after extractions did you get the dentures? What kind of adhesive do you use?

I got my dentures made before my extractions and picked them up the day before surgery. The oral surgeon placed them while I was still in the chair. I had to leave them in for 24 hours and then take them out to begin gently saltwater rinsing every few hours and after every meal.

Properly fitting upper dentures will never need adhesive. They suction to the top of your mouth and stay snugly in place. Some people adhere their bottoms down if they give them trouble. I switch between Secure and Fixodent.

>
> Have you considered implants as you can afford them? If you've talked to anyone about it, did they warn you about bone grafts?
>

I am considering implants but I am happy right now. I was warned but it wasn't an immediate concern.
>
> How long did it take for your sutures to heal? My molar sutures took two months and they are still an interesting shape.

My sutures were completely out by day 10. By day three/five many of them were dissolving and kind of hanging out. It was annoying but my upper denture stopped me from toying with them too much.

So it takes about a year for all the secondary healing to finished. The initial healing was pretty much all done by the second month. By that time I was eating all kinds of shit anyway. I was still going in for adjustments although, the initial swelling was gone. Gums will shrink continuously and then they'll ease up.

Soft relines help as well. They are basically pillows for gums. They are amazing.

I haven't had an adjustment in months but I change my reline (by myself) pretty often (once every 2 months or so now). This will need to be done less and less often.

I'm going to get a hard reline at my year mark.

I use retainer brite, a dissolvable tab you soak in water with your aligners (like denture cleaners). They're available on amazon. It works ok (and even better if you use a sonic cleaner; one comes free if you buy a year's supply here - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EKAF2K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zvUHybM5GCMFD) but your trays will always look pretty gross towards the end of your wearing time. It's such a relief to change your trays for fresh, clean, new ones. Also, brushing your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners in is essential.


Edited to include: I've heard to not use toothpaste. I'd steer clear of using it for cleaning your aligners.

If you REALLY want to be thorough you can invest in an ultrasonic cleaner. I don't use one so I can't make a specific recommendation but it would be something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HLBW61C

FWIW I found third party retainer cleaning tablets like Retainer Brite more effective - and less expensive - than Invisalign's cleaning crystals.

TBH I work with people too and in college. I've taken them out for food and some people were like "wtf I didn't even know you had those". Like for real bro, don't even sweat it. You didn't pay all this money to feel anxious about other peoples opinions. Wear them with confidence. If you want them to look brand new all the time consider investing in a machine that cleans them. I'll put the link below. The first link is the machine. The second link is the tablets I use in the machine to clean the aligners. My buddy was doing this and I couldn't believe how clean his look even on the 10th day. We both change trays every 10 days and I always feel like around day 7 they start getting kinda gross. Ever since I bought these even on day 10 they look like day 1 clean. On the grand scheme its worth it because most people are given a retainer at the end to wear at night and this machine will clean that too...plus mouth guards for sports, jewelry, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/iSonic-F3900-Ultrasonic-Retainers-Appliances/dp/B00HLBW61C/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=invisalign+cleaner+machine&qid=1571006602&sr=8-4

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https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Dental-Denture-Retainer-Cleaner/dp/B075WWYBJ7/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=invisalign+cleaner+machine&qid=1571006643&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFaUjg4MlBOWjZRWU0mZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5MjI5NTUxNFVKQlpITkc4RUNYJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzNDIxODYyVDVOV0VTV0ZJOTVRJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

https://www.amazon.com/iSonic-F3900-Ultrasonic-Retainers-Appliances/dp/B00HLBW61C/ref=gp_aw_ybh_a_6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9H58DN954QAQ6V67NAJH

This is what I have. I use it morning and night sometimes with a retainer brite tablet, sometimes not. Either way I feel like the aligners are perfectly clean once through the cycle.

I recommend.

I use this product I found on Amazon Retainer Cleaning Tablets 120 Tablets Value Pack -4 Months Supply, Remove Stains and Bad Odor, Prevent Brace Discoloration, Invisalign Cleaner Tablets, Mouth Guard Cleaner, Mint Flavor cleaner

Fancymay retainer cleaner. It works so good. I smoke in my aligners everyday and I drink crystal light sweet tea (no sugar) which is brown and my aligners are still crystal clear. I am new to SDC and just finished my first week but when I took out W2 they were the same color as my W1!!! Best product I have used.

Not sure if the link above will work. I am also nee to Reddit so not sure how all this works lol.

This guy right here. It's a bit pricey but two 5-minute cycles (flipping them over in between) gets them almost completely sparkling, and that's without the special powder it comes with, which I have yet to try because I'm always satisfied with just water.

Judging by the "customers also bought" section of the amazon page it looks like people are using them for bottles already. There's a sigg wash brush, and bottle tops. I'm ordering these now. Thanks again!

I have been very happy with M3 Retainer and Denture cleaner. I drink beer with my trays in and have had zero staining. I clean my trays morning and night (I'm very picky about them being clean):

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https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Dental-Denture-Retainer-Cleaner/dp/B075WWYBJ7/ref=pd_bap_rp_34?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=W9903R2YX24WRHK0RZVS

Yeah sure! I’m in the UK so I purchase my Retainer Brite on Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005GRGARE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RxAQAbTHR0DR4) with a sonic cleaner (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003P9V8J0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CyAQAb5AW9BBB).

I let my trays soak every morning while I get ready for work. I do find that every few days I do need to brush my trays properly, there’s only so much that Retainer Brite can do.

Don’t get me wrong, the trays still yellow slightly by the end of the week, but honestly I hate brushing my trays so for me Retainer Brite is a godsend. Especially in the morning when I’m always running late!

They're these ones , iirc! They work like a charm! :-)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HLBW61C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ydKVDbJ57QFDV

It works great. We pop a tablet of retainer brite in there and you're good.

> http://a.co/io2YtrB

They also make rinses that do this. You want to supervise because the tablets can stain if they get on skin. Some kids seem to really like brushing.

I also like this book but it's pretty expensive https://www.amazon.com/Practicon-8099613-Grosser-Disgusting-Totally/dp/B00YPLHU9Y

>Kinda like you don't really ever have to wash out a water bottle if you only use it for water

Only if the bottle never touches your mouth, otherwise your bacteria will eventually develop a film on the inner surface of the bottle. Efferdent/similar is a great overnight soak that, combined with a brushing, will make your bottle like new again.

I'd say this is probably not an issue though considering the rocks will be immersed in alcohol when they're at risk of being exposed to bacteria.

Our studio uses dental wax with gauze infused into the wax. It's malleable and goes over the bottom teeth, which prevents just about all biting damage that occurs from extended playing. I'm personally not a fan of these protectors as I like the direct feedback of bottom teeth/bottom lip, but the rest of the studio swears by it. A couple of my friends practice for >6h/day with this thing without any pain whatsoever. I'll edit my post later today when I find out what exactly it's called and where to buy it.

Edit: Poster above me beat me to it, Ezo

When they're not in my mouth (at home) I put them in this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M9GU82A/

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and that is filled with this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0755367M5/ (each pouch lasts a week)

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I lift the strainer out, rinse them off and they're clean and clear as crystal. They smell great, too. No scrubbing required.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B07D8QR24T?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Got this as a cheaper alternate to Waterpik. Teeth feel so much cleaner and a much better experience than flossing. A solid useful product so far.

I saw this book at the pediatric dentist office, and the pictures are pretty effective in eliciting the "Eww" response. Maybe you could keep that next to the toilet for some light reading whilst sitting on the porcelain throne. https://smile.amazon.com/Practicon-8099613-Grosser-Disgusting-Totally/dp/B00YPLHU9Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=totally+gross+disgusting+cool+mouth&qid=1574110031&sr=8-3

Hey, I played with braces in HS, too. You adjust. Then adjust again when they come off. You can try the wax or paper. Or try Ezo. (http://www.amazon.com/health-personal-care/dp/B001ET6ZTG). I found this best for me. Just cut it to fit over what you need it to.

And the most active sax subreddit is /r/saxophonics.

I use the iSonic every morning with a Retainer Brite tablet. Trays have stayed nice and clean. Once I'm done with treatment and using nighttime retainers, I plan to continue using this baby every morning. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HLBW61C/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00HLBW61C&pd_rd_wg=SAOFb&pd_rd_r=Y0EG9231QH6J29F7CB6K&pd_rd_w=g90gD

There's a product called "Retainer Brite" that I have seen mentioned around that works pretty well.

https://www.amazon.com/Retainer-Brite-Tablets-Months-Supply/dp/B005GRGARE

Dental Duty. It's what I use and works like a charm

Denture Bath https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SOLN68/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EVkTCbS2TQZJT

Solved. And you don't have to keep it in the bathroom. Under the kitchen sink, on top of the fridge, you're an adult, I'm sure you can think of something.

Yes this. I do a couple of cycles as I do the shower thing in the morning. Dinner time, I soak them in this retainer stuff and give them a quick rinse/run over with a toothbrush before putting them back in.

And I do coffee almost every day, etc, with them in so... it seems to be okay?

I use one of these ultrasonic cleaners in the morning and at night, with just water and have never had any buildup or discoloration or other cleanliness issues. Some people also use it in conjunction with denture cleaning tablets but I've never felt that was necessary with weekly changes. I let it run one 5 minute cycle, flip both trays over, run it for another 5 minute cycle then run cold water over it for a few seconds and I'm good to go.

I’ve been using this product I found on Amazon and it works great! SmartGuard Premium Cleaner Crystals – Removes Stain, Plaque & Bad ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0755367M5/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_Oe-QBb2DXRNX6

Vibrating denture cleaner, like this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Cordless-Denture-Cleaner-Premium-Cleaning/dp/B01G1JJ8RY/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?adgrpid=57713908044&hvadid=274710181631&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9009996&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t3&hvqmt=b&hvrand=7519177578176671162&hvtargid=kwd-297147423728&keywords=ultrasonic+denture+cleaner&qid=1555685654&s=gateway&sr=8-9

I've used this one for two years (looks to be slightly different now though; likely other newer similar items on the market with good reviews!) https://www.amazon.com/iSonic-F3900-Ultrasonic-Retainers-removable/dp/B00HLBW61C/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1521132058&sr=1-2&keywords=sonic+cleaner

You need to get Retainer Brite for sure. Use Amazon.com. A three month supply is <$15. I soaked every day and never had odor problems. https://www.amazon.com/Retainer-Brite-Tablets-Months-Supply/dp/B005GRGARE/ref=sxts_k2p_hero1_s_it?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2668835642&pf_rd_r=Q46B4PYFYRXSTKHYM34F&pd_rd_wg=C9xCE&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_w=9Xc8P&pf_rd_i=retainer+brite&pd_rd_r=Z8FKGA59TMGJT08QPXM0&ie=UTF8&qid=1478566182&sr=1

I also got one of these to soak them in. It has a little basket inside so you can pull the aligners out with out having to fish around in the stuff. https://www.amazon.com/Denture-Basket-European-Attractive-Durable/dp/B00XGYV40M/ref=sr_1_8_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1478566182&sr=1-8&keywords=retainer+brite

New tablet in the morning, soak while you shower, soak again with the same stuff during dinner.

As for the booze, depends on your poison, I guess. For beers, not to big of a deal to drink with them in. Hard liquor is normally mixed with something sweet so I wouldn't recommend a night of drinking mixed drinks while leaving the aligners in.

As you progress, you can get a little more comfortable with having a "cheat night" (ie; not having them in for the night) but it should be the exception and not the rule.

Get a keycap remover and soak the keycaps with some denture tablets for like 5/6 hours.

https://www.amazon.com/Efferdent-Anti-Bacterial-Denture-Cleanser-Count/dp/B000GGKQ16

Then just flip the board upside down and pat the back. Use an air can at the end for extra cleaning. Let your caps dry before putting them back on.

I use a denture brush like this one.

I have a night mouthguard that I have a little box that I clean it in and store when not in use. I also stick our toothbrush heads in there for storage until we go to brush our teeth. https://www.amazon.com/Denture-Bath-Basket-European-Fulfilled/dp/B016STAE16/ref=pd_aw_lpo_121_lp_tr_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=PNT3GWQGK7Y9GDPDS6V7

I have heard that denture tabs work well as a cleaning solution in an ultrasonic cleaner. Not sure where you are from, but this is the product I am familiar with https://www.amazon.com/Efferdent-Denture-Cleanser-240-tablets/dp/B005S6HMRA

This thing has saved me so much time. You drop them in with a cheap denture cleaner (non colored) of your choice, turn it on, and it's done in 5 mins. (You can do it longer, but I'm always in a hurry.) Rinse them off and pop them in. I hate getting water and toothpaste all over me, so it's been a godsend.

https://www.amazon.com/iSonic-F3900-Ultrasonic-Retainers-Appliances/dp/B00HLBW61C/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=ultrasonic+invisalign+cleaner&qid=1573242364&sprefix=ultrasonic+inv&sr=8-3

This is probably the one you're thinking of. I'm going to probably buy this one and use the denture cleaner tablets I already have. I just want to see if other's have done the same thing basically.

iSonic F3900 Ultrasonic Cleaner for Dentures, Retainers, and Mouth Guards, 100-120V
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HLBW61C/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_NrbyDb4VKS77D

Nononononononono don't use alcohol. Use denture tabs. They're cheap and don't leave any residue.

You can get them at basically any drugstore or on Amazon.

I use this and add half of one of these once a day when I wake up. Never had any issues with staining or odors so far.

https://www.amazon.com/M3-Dental-Retainer-and-Denture-Cleaner-Tablets-Anti-Bacterial-Removes-Bacteria-Stains-and-Bad-Odors/dp/B075WWYBJ7

Use denture tabs: https://www.amazon.com/Efferdent-Denture-Cleanser-240-tablets/dp/B005S6HMRA?th=1

Just use one tablet of this

iSonic F3900 Ultrasonic Cleaner for Dentures, Aligners/Retainers, Dental and Dleep Apnea Appliances, and Mouth Guards, 110V (tank no longer removable) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HLBW61C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_zSzAWUeeN9ltk

I have this one. It runs in 5 mins cycles. Sometimes I do two cycles - but usually one is enough.


iSonic F3900 Ultrasonic Denture/Aligner/Retainer Cleaner, 100-120V (tank no longer removable) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HLBW61C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ydKVDbJ57QFDV

I use the Denture Cleaing Tablets. Put one in and let is soak for 5 minutes after a shower or so and then rinse it off. No scrubbing needed.

108 Tablet CleanGuard Nightguard... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KNXIDH6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I use this for my nightguard and mouthguard. It’s safe to soak all day/night as well. Don’t waste your time manually washing it each time, just pop a tablet into a cup and leave it on your counter until you get around to taking it out.

Oh and this might also be good, but I haven’t tried it: 120 Retainer and Denture Cleaning Tablets -(4 Months Supply)- Cleaner Removes Bad Odor, Plaque, Stains from Dentures, Retainers, Night Guards, Mouth Guards & Removable Dental Appliances. Made in USA. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KKX75AY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rWBwDb816X2PG

I had braces when I was in high school playing the clarinet (I'm a private lesson instructor now) and the thing that helped me more than anything was this product called EZO

https://www.amazon.com/Ezo-Denture-Cushions-Lower-Heavy/dp/B001ET6ZTG

It's a denture cushion, yes...but it takes ALL the strain from your lip (I suspect you may be compensating a bit, totally normal...it hurts) so you can focus on your embouchure. If you cut these little bad boys up to about an inch long (you should get 6-10 smaller pieces from each big piece) you can fit that to your braces and teeth to eliminate any discomfort. Waterproof medical tape works as well, but EZO is where it's really at.

I'm only a week in, so hopefully I'm doing well...but I'm simply rinsing them most of the time, and once per day, I soak them in retainer cleaner (I've been using this stuff from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075WWYBJ7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). So far, I have no issue with odor or staining, and I'm avoiding using a toothbrush on them per the instructions provided.

Haven’t seen this suggested yet, but try using a piece of EZO denture pad over your bottom teeth:

Ezo Denture Cushions, Lower Heavy, 15 Cushions (Pack of 6) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ET6ZTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vCFZCb2RNJACR

I was having the same problems when I got serious with sax in the 8th grade (to the point every my lip would bleed or hurt too much to play anything), and used them at the suggestion of my teacher/professor at the time. I would use EZO every time I played, and the same piece will last a long time. Hell, a box should last you for years. I played on a 3.5 vandoren and selmer S90 mouthpiece.

Basically just cut a piece large enough to put over your bottom front teeth, at the pressure point where you would have pain from biting. I got to where I would cut a piece to fold once or twice over itself to make a thicker pad. It shouldn’t need to end up longer than an inch or so in length.

I could play for hours with no pain, which was handy for all the playing I had to do daily in college. And, arguably, it made my sound darker as the bottom lip became “thicker” against the reed.

Some professors argue against it, saying they don’t “need” it but who cares. It made me a better player.

Edit: another professor had me try and learn the rolled out embouchure after I had already been playing the standard way for 7 years. Too much of a change for me, I’d rather stick to playing with EZO.