Dentures are a removable teeth replacement solution usually made of plastic, porcelain, metal or nylon. Dentures can be full or partial. They usually fit tightly over the gums and can serve you just as natural teeth. Having your teeth restored by dentures has many benefits, including the ability to eat normal, nutritious meals and having a beautiful smile. Below, we cover 5 signs your dentures need to be replaced.
The materials used for making dentures tend to be quite durable and can last quite some time. However, with constant usage and a lot of pressure applied by chewing food, dentures can wear out eventually. In this article, we explain the reasons for dentures wearing out and list 5 signs your dentures need to be replaced.
Why Do Dentures Wear Out?
The exact lifespan of your dentures depends on several factors, including the material they are made of. The average time your dentures can last you is from 7 to 10 years. Typically, it is recommended to replace dentures after this amount of time.
A normal wear of dentures is expected and occurs, because they are constantly impacted by chewing motions while eating. But some other factors can cause your dentures to wear out faster. Such factors include:
Improper Fit
If your dentures are not fitted properly to your mouth initially, they will wear out faster. This happens because the pressure distribution when chewing and talking is uneven. On top of that, dentures that slide around in the mouth can impact and damage each other. In some cases of improper fit, dentures can even break completely.
Improper Care
Cleaning your dentures with inappropriate materials and not storing them in water can lead to them wearing out much faster. Always make sure to adhere to your dentist’s recommendations when cleaning and storing your dentures.
Using Your Teeth as Tools and Chewing on Hard Objects
Dentures are designed to only chew on food. If you try to use them as tools, for example, for opening bottles, or bite down on some hard objects, it can cause the dentures to be damaged or broken.
Improper Bite
Usually, when making the dentures, the dentist will make sure that the fit of the dentures compensate for the improper bite of the patient. However, if improper bite is not accounted for, the dentures will get uneven pressure throughout the use. This will lead to them wearing out quicker.
5 Signs Your Dentures Need to Be Replaced
Your Dentures Feel Loose or Falling Out
Ideally, dentures fit snugly over your gums and do not cause discomfort while speaking or chewing. If your dentures start to feel loose, slide around in your mouth, or fall out, it is a sign that they need to be adjusted or replaced.
There are several reasons for your dentures to start feeling loose:
- Sometimes it happens because the jaw and gum tissue starts to shrink some time after your natural teeth are extracted. The reduction of the tissue leads to improper fit of the dentures.
- Another reason for your dentures getting loose is wearing out of the lining of the denture. In most cases, this can happen after 5 to 8 years of wearing dentures.
- If your dentures get damaged, they can start feeling loose too. The damages might occur because of the improper use or storage, if they were dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures. All these factors can cause some parts of your dentures to become bent or warped.
It Became Uncomfortable to Eat or Talk
The situation when your dentures still seemingly fit well, but it becomes challenging or uncomfortable to eat or talk definitely calls for your dentures to be evaluated. In these cases, they may be adjusted, or you might have to get a replacement.
You Experience General Discomfort or Pain
If some time passes, but you still can not get used to wearing your dentures because they constantly cause discomfort or even pain, it is a sign that they do not fit properly. The properly fitted dentures should not cause any irritation or damage to your gums, nor should they cause pain or discomfort.
Your Dentures Are Damaged or Discolored
As we mentioned before, some natural wear will inevitably happen over time. However, if your dentures are cracked, chipped, severely discolored, or even missing some parts, you probably should replace them.
Your Dentures Are Too Old
Typically, dentures can last from 7 to 10 years. Some dentists recommend replacing dentures every 5 to 7 years. The timeline largely depends on the patient’s lifestyle and the materials the dentures are made of. An experienced specialist can tell you when to replace or adjust your dentures with more accuracy.
Remember that dentures are not supposed to cause any trouble to the person wearing them. They are designed to be a comfortable and reliable teeth replacement solution. If you experience any discomfort or concerns about your dentures, visit our highly qualified doctors at OC Dental Specialists to get a personalized consultation.