Signs Your Dentures Need to Be Replaced
When you’re missing most or all of your teeth, dentures are just what you need. These artificial teeth look natural and help you bite, chew, and smile, filling out your facial appearance and giving you added confidence to go about your day.
Dentures don’t last forever, however. The team at our Brooklyn, NY dental practice want to consider the lifespan of dentures and what signs people should look for as their dentures are getting worn down. The signs below should tell you that your dentures need to be replaced.
How Long Do Dentures Usually Last?
A full set of dentures typically lasts around 5 years to 10 years. Obviously dentures will last longer with proper oral hygiene and regular cleanings. Wear and tear will take their toll on dentures even if people take good care of them, which is why all dentures will usually require some repair and eventually replacement.
Dentures No Longer Fit Right
The first major signs most people notice when they need new dentures is a change in fit. Sometimes the dentures just don’t feel right in the mouth. Your gums and jawbone are changing, and the denture itself is changing, which means that an update may be required.
Dentures Slip Off or Are Loose
On the note of dentures no longer fitting right, another common sign that dentures need to be replaced involves the dentures frequently slipping out. If you dentures are loose and are prone to falling out, that may be a major signal that you’re due for a new set of dentures.
Chips or Cracks on Your Dentures
Damage to any part of your dentures is a clear indication that some kind of repair is in order. These cracks may be major, however, which can impact the overall quality and use of your denture. For cracks that impact the overall structure of your denture, it’s important to consider replacement.
Your Gums Are Irritated or Sore
As the fit of a denture changes, so does its overall comfort. Dentures that no longer fit right can lead to irritated gums and sores on the soft tissues in your mouth. If you notice sores and irritated gums, talk to your dentist about ways of improving the fit.
Problems Biting and Chewing
Obviously dentures are meant to help people experience full function of a set of teeth again. When you notice problems with biting and chewing with a set of dentures, that could be an indication that it needs to be replaced. Discuss these issues with your dentist as they arise.
Dentures Make Speaking More Difficult
A set of dentures that don’t fit right can make speaking more difficult. You may wind up slurring some words, mumbling or speaking indistinctly, or whistling while saying certain things. Keep the potential for speech impediments in mind along with other problems we noted above.
Creating a New Denture as a Replacement
When your dentures need replacing, there’s nothing to worry about. Your dentist can take an impression of your dental arch and adapt the previous denture design to your current needs. The new custom denture will restore your ability to go about your day normally, smiling, speaking, and eating like new.
Contact Brooklyn Heights Dental
For more information about dentures and how they can help you bite, chew, and smile normally again, be sure to contact the team at Brooklyn Heights Dental. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in much greater detail.