Even the most well-made dentures will eventually need to be replaced. You can usually expect them to last around 7 to 10 years, but their exact lifespan can vary. As such, you should keep an eye out for any changes that could indicate that new dentures might be needed. Below are 4 warning signs that could indicate that the time to replace your dentures is drawing near.
1. Your Dentures Won’t Stay In Place
Dentures are designed to fit snugly over the gums, and they rely on natural suction to stay in place. As such, if your dentures have been slipping lately, or if they keep falling out of your mouth entirely, it’s a significant problem. This can be a result of the gums and jawbone shrinking over time, causing your dentures to not fit like they used to.
Loose dentures can sometimes be readjusted, but in other cases, there may be no choice but to replace them entirely.
2. You are Experiencing Discomfort
Are your dentures causing you discomfort? Does it hurt whenever you bite or chew your food? Are there sores or lesions appearing on your gums? If you said “yes” to any of the above, there’s likely a problem with your dentures. Trying to ignore the pain is a mistake; you should call your dentist immediately and let them know what’s going on. There’s a good chance that your dentures will need to be relined or replaced in the near future.
3. Your Dentures Have Been Noticeably Damaged
As durable as they are, dentures are not indestructible. You could end up fracturing the artificial teeth when chewing certain foods, or the prosthesis could be broken if you drop it on accident. A broken denture can sometimes be repaired, but if the damage is too severe, replacing it could be the only option remaining.
4. Your Dentures are Discolored or Dirty
Do you see dirt or stains on your dentures? It may be due to tiny cracks forming on the prosthesis. Not only can this affect the appearance of your dentures, but if bacteria gets into the cracks, it could result in serious oral health issues. You should have your dentist take a look at your dentures as soon as possible to determine whether replacing them is necessary.
The sooner you have your dentures replaced, the sooner you can go back to getting the most out of life with a complete set of teeth. Call your dentist’s office today if you have any reason to be concerned about the state of your dentures.
About the Author
Dr. Darren G. Koch studied dentistry at The University at Buffalo, and he eventually graduated in the top 15% of his class. He works with patients of all ages in Cary, and he’s proud to be able to offer dentures (along with other tooth replacement options) for those with incomplete smiles. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Koch, visit his website or call (919) 859-6633.
