Posted on: 05 January, 2023
Dentures can last for many years with proper care, but they don't last forever.
3 minute read
Modern dentures are made from strong materials and built to last, but everyday wear and tear and accidental damage mean they will need to be replaced eventually.
When you know the warning signs of worn, damaged or poorly-fitting dentures, you can get them replaced before they cause serious problems. Here are six signs that you should see your dentist urgently.
Your dentures and your mouth change shape over time, and this can cause dentures to come loose or even fall out. Poorly-fitting dentures can also affect how your teeth bite together or may cause you to bite the inside of your cheek, leaving your mouth prone to infection.
If your dentures feel loose, your dentist may recommend using a denture adhesive to help hold them in place or a denture reline to adjust their shape and improve their fit. If these options aren't possible, the dentures will need to be replaced.
Dentures may feel sore or uncomfortable when they are first fitted, but this should fade as you become used to wearing them. If your dentures become painful or uncomfortable over time, you should visit your dentist to have them adjusted.
Friction and pressure can sometimes be relieved by applying a denture adhesive, or the denture may need to be relined or replaced. Your dentist will also examine your mouth to determine whether your pain or discomfort may be caused by another issue that needs to be treated.
Dentures that become loose or change shape over time can start to shift their position and cause irritation of the mouth or gums. If not treated, this could lead to inflammation (swelling) or painful sores or lesions.
You should visit your dentist if your gums are red or swollen. You may need new dentures or these could be signs of gum disease or another oral health problem that needs attention.
It can take a little time to get used to eating and speaking with dentures, but this should become natural once your mouth adjusts. If you start to have trouble with chewing or speech later, this may be a sign of loose, worn or misshapen dentures.
If your dentures have always caused problems with eating or speech, they were likely poorly made or fitted in the first place. An experienced dental prosthetist can provide high-quality customised dentures that are comfortable and functional.
Dentures have the same vulnerabilities as natural teeth. They may be damaged by impacts to the mouth or biting down too hard, with the additional risk of being dropped. A dental technician may be able to repair minor surface damage to dentures, but more serious chips, cracks or other damage will require replacement.
If your dentures are broken, make an appointment with an emergency dentist. Delaying denture repairs or replacement could put your mouth at risk or injury or infection, or it could affect your ability to eat or speak normally.
Dentures can be stained by food, drink, tobacco and other sources, just like natural teeth. Unlike stains on tooth enamel however, this discolouration can't be removed by professional cleaning or whitening treatments.
Full dentures are typically made of high-impact acrylic which is prone to staining over time. How prone your dentures are to discolouration will depend on the material they are made of and what steps you take to prevent stains and extend their lifespan.
The average lifespan of full dentures is 5 to 10 years, depending on their quality and how well they are cared for. Even dentures that are well looked after can eventually feel loose or uncomfortable as your mouth changes shape.
Your mouth will continue to change shape over time as the jaw bone deteriorates behind the gums in the absence of tooth roots.
Your dentist will give you advice about how to look after your dentures when they are first fitted and they will check their condition when you visit for your regular check-ups at least once a year.
A denture reline can extend the life of dentures, but this can only be performed so many times before the denture will need to be replaced.
It's important to clean your dentures twice a day – in the morning and at night – to remove traces of food, plaque bacteria and odours. Additional steps you can take to care for your dentures include the following:
To clean dentures:
Dentures should be taken out at night before you sleep to help your mouth relax and prevent discomfort and infections. Store your dentures in a dry container and rinse them in cold water before putting them back into your mouth.
It's also important to keep up a good oral hygiene routine to keep your gums and any remaining teeth healthy and prevent infections and other problems. This includes:
If you would like high-quality, natural-looking dentures, or you want to know your other options for tooth replacement, talk to our dentists in East Victoria Park. We also provide dental implants under the experienced care of Dr David Norcross for improved comfort and stability.
To find out more or book a consultation at EVP Dental, call our team today on (08) 9470 3944 or book online.
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