How often should dentures be replaced?

Dentures are dental restorations for patients who have lost most of their teeth due to age, gum disease, or severe dental trauma and now need a replacement. They help rehabilitate distorted upper and lower arches caused by dental problems. Dentures are highly effective tooth replacements that are a necessary, but not permanent, solution. Dentists generally agree that dentures are designed to last between four and twenty-five years. There is no simple answer to how long dentures last, but there are warning signs when your dentures need to be replaced. This blog will give you a general idea of when you should consider denture replacement.

There are three main factors affecting the lifespan of dentures. 

• The strength of the materials used to make a denture can greatly affect how long it will last. Dentures that are repaired do not have the same strength as the original dentures. Premium material dentures are stronger and more expensive, but they last longer than economy dentures.
• The durability of the denture material used to make a denture can also affect its longevity. It is possible to replace or repair worn parts of a denture appliance. However, wearing dentures frequently coincides with gradual changes in the patient’s jaws, jaw joints, ridge height, and facial appearance, all of which tend to wear over time. Dentures made with acrylic teeth are less durable than porcelain teeth. Porcelain is resistant to daily wear and tear and helps in the preservation of jaw movements when used to construct well-fitted dentures.
• The fit of a denture’s “tissue side” (the part that rests directly on the jaws) is vital for denture stability, retention, comfort, and function. Due to changes in the jaw, the fit also changes over time. This plays an important role in determining the longevity of an appliance.

You can extend the life of your dentures by doing the following:

• Brushing your dentures every day.
• After eating, perform proper denture care.
• Denture relining and rebasing should be done every six months by your dentist.
• Dentures should be soaked every night.

Signs that you need a new set of dentures:

• The fit of your dentures has changed— A good set of dentures will stay put while you chew and speak. If your dentures are constantly loose or at risk of falling out when you talk, laugh, cough, or sneeze, it’s time to replace them. They might only need a denture reline to get a better fit. Loose dentures are undesirable for a variety of reasons, including a gradual shift in your gum line. When your dentures become loose or fall out of your mouth, it is a clear sign that they need to be adjusted or replaced entirely.
• Your dentures are hurting you— To a certain extent, and especially in the beginning stages of wearing dentures, some pain is expected. If your dentures are in good condition and fit correctly, they should not cause you any pain or discomfort. The mouth can also become irritated by cracked, warped, or poorly fitted dentures. These can develop into sores that make your mouth and tongue sensitive, and the pain may cause you to stop wearing your dentures. If you experience pain when chewing or biting, your dentures may need to be replaced. Dentures that have not been thoroughly cleaned may also cause gum irritation. If your dentures are too difficult to clean and get too dirty, you may need to replace them.
• Damaged or discolored dentures—Tooth discoloration is another reason to replace your dentures. It is ideally avoidable with proper care, but over time, your dentures are exposed daily to foods, beverages, and other substances. Dentures can absorb odors and become discolored over time. The material used to make dentures deteriorates over time. Many dentures are made of low-density plastics that stain easily and absorb odors. Deep scratches can also cause a weak spot in the dentures, causing them to crack or break. If you notice that your dentures have chips and cracks, or that one or more of the teeth has loosened, they will almost certainly need to be replaced.

• The vast majority of materials used to make dentures are resistant to damage and wear. However, dentures can become damaged over time. They may chip, crack, or wear away. Some circumstances can result in premature denture damage. You could also lose them or they might fall from your grasp. Sometimes dentures are more susceptible to damage than they should be. As a result, keep an eye out for cracks and contact a denture expert immediately if any are discovered. You’re struggling to speak clearly— Another important function that dentures should be able to help you with is speaking, and wearing dentures make it easier for you to speak clearly. If your dentures are loose, you may notice that you are slurring your words. Your dentures will need to be adjusted or replaced for you to be able to speak clearly. If your dentures are interfering with your speech, you should see your dentist.

Nothing eats away your comfort and confidence more than having your dentures move around or fall out. They are designed to fit securely inside your mouth and sit there. This is why dentures are custom fit to each patient. Nobody’s jaw line is the same, so your dentures will not fit someone else. The proper fit is critical because it allows you to smile, speak, and eat properly. Do not overlook the clear sign that you need new dentures to protect your dental health. If you are wondering, “How often should my dentures be replaced?” or ”Are they even necessary”? We can help you decide. At Love My Smile,we specialize in providing quality dentures to our clients to improve their teeth and smile. Call our Love My Smile Center Help Line at 833-900-1050 or email us at help@lovemysmilecenter.com to schedule an exam or a free consultation today!