Dentures are a comfortable way to beautifully restore one or both arches of teeth. They can serve as the best form of dental restoration for patients who have lost most of their teeth due to age, trauma, or gum disease. However, they do not last forever and will require replacement every seven to ten years even with good maintenance. Read on to learn about how to find signs that your dentures are ready to retire.
Denture Damage
Damage to the prosthetic is probably the most obvious sign that its time is up. While broken teeth or other parts can sometimes be repaired or replaced, only your dental professional can make that call. Damage to small parts can sometimes require new dentures. In cases when the base breaks, the denture will no longer function and need replacement. Over time, your dentures can accrue cracks and fractures that might serve as habitats for bacteria, which can result in infections.
In any of these cases, you should not attempt to fix the dentures yourself. An amateur repair can leave them misaligned, which can lead to bite and TMJ issues. Common adhesives for appliance repair like superglue can be poisonous if introduced to the mouth.
Failing to Fit
Because the mouth is a living thing while the dentures are not, the mouth will continue to shift and change shape while the dentures will stay the same. This results in changes in how they fit. Loose dentures can make speaking and eating difficult. Poorly fitting dentures can cause aches and pains in the back, neck, mouth, and even shoulders. Accordingly, dentures should be inspected regularly and relined every two years, but eventually, they will need to be replaced for a pair with a better fit.
Maladies of the Mouth
If your mouth tissues start reacting badly to your dentures, it might be time to get a new pair. Pressure sores can happen when the dentures no longer apply even force across the gums. If you find bleeding, raw spots, or inflammation of the gums, they could be caused by old dentures.
Dentures should fit so comfortably that you might sometimes forget that they are there. If they are irritating the mouth, not fitting properly, making speech and eating difficult, or are just too dirty for you to clean properly, contact your dentist. If they cannot be repaired or adjusted, new dentures will provide a better fit and a brighter smile.
About the Author
Dr. Robert J. Sanker earned his DDS from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1983. After doing his postdoctoral studies at the Medical College of Virginia, he became a prosthodontics specialist. His office provides services including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry in addition to dentures. If you are wondering about whether your dentures need to be replaced, contact him online or dial (301) 468-5566.