Five Signs Your Dentures Need to Be Replaced
Many patients deal with tooth loss. This dental complication is especially common as people age and the teeth naturally weaken. When tooth loss is widespread, dentures are an affordable and convenient restoration that can replace a large group of teeth or an entire arch of teeth.
Dentures create a seal with the gum line and jaw so that a patient can speak, bite, and chew with confidence and ease. Although dentures are built to be durable and long-lasting, they are susceptible to damage from prolonged wear and tear. In most cases, dentures need to be replaced within five to 10 years.
At Chrisman & Wyse Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we consider the condition of the dentures, more than their age, when determining if it is time for new restorations. Here, we discuss five signs that indicate your dentures need to be replaced at our Bloomington, IN dental practice.
Number One: Dentures Look Discolored
Dentures primarily serve a functional purpose. Dentures allow a person to chew and eat after experiencing tooth loss. However, dentures also serve as a cosmetic enhancement.
Tooth loss negatively impacts the appearance of the smile, and dentures restore a beautiful set of teeth. Dentures are customized to complement each person’s features.
Dentures are resistant to stains, so they should retain their appearance for many years. However, eventually, repeated exposure to dark-colored foods and beverages will take its toll. If dentures are cleaned properly each night and they still look dull or discolored, it is probably time to consider a replacement.
Number Two: Dentures Are Damaged
Because dentures are made of strong and durable materials, patients have few food restrictions. Dentures should be able to withstand the regular wear and tear of biting and chewing. However, just like the natural teeth, dentures can be damaged.
Common causes of damage include biting down on a particularly hard food, using the dentures as a tool (to rip open packages, bite a bottle open, etc.), and oral injury. If dentures are chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged, they should be replaced as soon as possible.
Number Three: Dentures Are Slipping Out of Place
Many people have heard stories of dentures falling out while a person eats or drinks. In reality, dentures create a pretty tight seal with the gums and jaw, and should not easily slip or fall out. While an occasional accident may happen, it should not be a regular occurrence.
If dentures are routinely slipping out of place, or just feel loose or ill-fitted, it is definitely time to look into a replacement. The shape of the jaw does change over time, so a new set of dentures may be needed to ensure a proper fit.
Number Four: Eating Has Become Difficult
Eating can be extremely difficult after tooth loss, but dentures are meant to fix that. A well fit set of dentures should feel and function a lot like the natural teeth.
If a patient is suddenly having difficulty biting and chewing, he or she should schedule an appointment to discuss dentures replacement. Difficulty performing oral functions is a sign that dentures no longer fit the way they are meant to.
Number Five: You’re Experiencing Pain
When dentures become worn down or no longer fit, the distribution of the bite is likely to shift. If force is not distributed evenly, it can put a lot of stress on the jaw.
Patients may develop TMJ disorder as a result of poorly fitted dentures. This condition causes oral pain, pain in the neck and shoulders, and headaches. Any patient who is frequently experiencing unexplained pain in the head, face, neck, or shoulders may want to have his or her dentures replaced.
Contact Us
If you have noticed signs that your dentures need to be replaced, it is important to request a new restoration as soon as possible. New dentures can restore the strength and beauty of your smile. To learn more about dentures replacement at Chrisman & Wyse Cosmetic & General Dentistry, contact us at your earliest convenience.
