According to the American Dental Association, the average set of dentures lasts between 5 and 10 years depending on the patient and the quality of their oral hygiene practices. As a result of these considerations, the actual lifespan of a set of dentures can vary widely from person to person. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to maximize that lifespan as long as you’re careful and listen to your dentist at Jesmine Boghawala DDS in Cerritos. Now let’s look at some signs you need to replace your dentures.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Dentures
Taking proper care of your dentures can be broken down into five basic categories.
- Avoiding Damaging Foods
- Washing Them Daily
- Ensuring They Stay Moist
- Visiting Your Dentist Every Six Months
- Paying Attention to Signs of Wear
The first four categories will all help you to protect your dentures, giving them the longest lifespan possible. The fifth category will help you to avoid embarrassing moments and possible injury by recognizing when your dentures need to be replaced.
Paying Close Attention
One of the more unfortunate sides of prolonged tooth loss is bone atrophy. Normally, chewing with your teeth would encourage your jawbone to recycle old tissue and remodel to maintain a strong, healthy bone. Without a natural tooth or a dental implant this process is disrupted in the regions without implants or natural teeth. Unfortunately, that means that your dentures will need adjusting or replacing as the bone changes. Here are five indications that will let you know it’s time to get a new pair of dentures in Cerritos.
Uncomfortable Fit
It can take several weeks for a new denture user to adapt to their prosthetics. However, your dentures should fit very comfortably once you have adjusted. A well-fitted set of dentures should not feel like they’re moving or like they may come out of their own. If you are experiencing these sensations as someone who has had dentures for over a year, you need to pay a visit to your dentist.
In some cases your dentist may be able to make minor adjustments to improve fit, but it is more likely that a noticeable change in fit will require part or all of your dentures to be replaced. This may be frustrating, but it is a far better alternative to having dentures that will eventually cause you pain while you struggle to keep them in place.
Broken Teeth
If any teeth in your dentures break, you need to talk to your dentist about repairing the affected denture. Broken dentures won’t look natural, and they could cause you to accidentally injure yourself while performing normal activities like talking and chewing.
Broken Base
A broken base will essentially make your dentures completely dysfunctional. To avoid dealing with a broken base, it is important to visit your dentist every six months. These appointments are the perfect opportunity for your dentist to inspect your dentures as well as your gums.
Stains
Dentures cannot form cavities, but they can certainly end up stained. In fact, they’re more susceptible to staining in some cases, so cleaning them daily is essential to preserving their appearance. If the staining ever becomes obvious, then it is time to discuss repair or replacement with your dentist.
Pain or Discomfort
Pain and discomfort do not always come about by poor fit. If you experience any oral pain, you need to talk to your dentist. There could be something wrong with your dentures. Or you could have developed an infection in your remaining oral tissues, so seeking professional medical advice is key.
Dentures: A Necessary Prosthetic
Dentures are just one of several tooth replacement options, but they serve an important role. They’re a cost-effective solution that allows patients to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. All they require is a little attention and the occasional replacement to keep you living your best life.
