Adjusting to new dentures is a familiar feeling to the 36 million Americans that have no teeth, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Dentures allow those Americans to eat and speak normally when they have lost their natural teeth to age, gum disease, or dental trauma. Unfortunately, even the best dentures are expected to last only 7-10 years. If you are unsure whether it is time to replace your dentures, keep these signs in mind.
Commonly, dentures stay in place through implants, a close fit to the gums and jaw bone or, for partials, a clasp that fits onto a natural tooth. All of these are custom-made to match your mouth's anatomical structure. However, when teeth are missing, this structure is not always constant. Other teeth settle into a new position, gums shift or recede, and jawbones shrink as they are resorbed. Consistently wearing your dentures helps fix teeth and gums in place, and exercising your jaw can prevent bone resorption. However, some changes are still to be expected over the years. Left unaddressed, loose dentures not only cause discomfort and difficulty in talking and eating; they may also irritate gum tissue or trap food and plaque, leading to sores and lesions that further worsen the issue.
Often, it is apparent when dentures are loose because they shift or even fall out. You can also tell that you may have a fit issue if they make a clicking sound when you eat or speak, or if you have a hard time speaking clearly. Your dentist may also detect changes in your mouth's structure during regular visits by taking impressions and comparing them to previous ones.
For relatively new dentures, a complete replacement may not be necessary if they stop fitting properly. Instead, if the changes are minor, a dentist can reline your dentures in the office. The process consists of adding or replacing the base material where it comes into contact with the gums. Relining saves you the cost of full replacement and the period of adjusting to new dentures. You can talk to your dentist about this option during your regular visits.
Taking good care of your dentures extends their lifespan and keeps them fitting properly. Still, accidents can occur and regular use does wear on the materials. Besides teeth chipping or breaking off, signs of damage to your dentures include:
Attempting to fix damaged dentures on your own is not recommended, especially fixing the base, as this is likely to worsen the issue.
Damage can be mitigated through proper care: regular brushing and cleaning with cold water and approved cleaning solutions. Do not use abrasive materials or products containing bleach or peroxide. Also, avoid chewing or biting down on very hard foods.
While adjusting to new dentures is rarely enjoyable, your old ones eventually need to be replaced. Be aware of signs of damage or changes in fit to know when it is time to invest in a new set.
Request an appointment here: https://www.jacksonsmiledoctors.com or call Constance E. Smith DDS, PC at (517) 312-2115 for an appointment in our Jackson office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Adjusting to New Dentures in Jackson, MI.
Implant supported dentures give you a more comfortable experience than traditional dentures. These prosthetics combine the affordability of conventional dentures with the stability and bone preserving properties of implants.Dentures are the most economical way to replace missing teeth, particularly when you have already lost most of your teeth. Their installation is non-invasive and the process…
Replacing a missing tooth as soon as possible helps prevent issues that lost teeth can cause, like bone tissue deterioration in the jaw, an increased risk of tooth decay, and the remaining teeth moving out of their proper alignment.Let us take a look at a few of the benefits of replacing a missing tooth with…
Choosing a general dentist to straighten your teeth is a great idea. General dentists are primary care dental providers, which means they understand everything there is to know about diagnosing, treating, and managing their patients' oral health. This type of dentist is the first dentist you would make an appointment with when experiencing any dental…
While practicing good oral hygiene at home is important, routinely visiting a dental office is essential to maintaining oral health and achieving a confident smile. Whether seeking preventive care, restorative treatments, or cosmetic dental services, understanding what to expect can help make the experience more comfortable and productive. Here are five things patients should know…