If you’ve had dentures for a while, it may be hard to even remember what life was like before you had them. That said, as good as dentures can be, they aren’t going to last you forever. Even if you maintain them well, part of caring for your dentures properly is understanding when it would be smart to replace them.
If you’ve had your dentures for a while, it’s possible that they’re in pretty rough shape. Here are a few signs that your prosthetic is due for replacement.
1. Being Loose/Falling Out
Your dentures, if well-crafted, are designed to fit securely in your mouth. They should stay basically still when eating, talking, or anything else you do. Over time, however, your jawbone is likely to shrink, which means that your dentures may not fit as well as they did before.
Dental adhesive could be useful, but if you’re really caking it on, it may be a sign that your dentures should be relined or replaced.
2. Discomfort
In a similar vein, your dentures should fit comfortably over your gums and not cause any discomfort as you go through the day. If you find that your dentures are painful when you chew, or that you are developing a lot more sores than usual, there may be an underlying issue with your dentures that needs to be addressed.
3. Visible Flaws
Of course, the biggest indicator that your dentures are broken are things that you can see. If you notice a crack in your dentures, even a hairline fracture, it’s important to deal with it as quickly as possible. If you move fast they could be repaired, but if your dentures are old anyway, they may be due for a replacement.
Discoloration can also be a good reason to replace your dentures. Nobody wants a yellow smile, and if you have the same set of dentures for a long time, those stains are going to accumulate.
If you see your dentist often, they’ll be able to help you catch these problems quickly and make replacements as necessary.
About Our Practice
Many dentists are content to stick you in the waiting room for hours and then rush you through your appointment. At Tylan Creek Family Dental, we do things differently. We’ll make time for you, and ensure that you get the one-on-one attention you deserve. We have 7 incredible dentists on staff, meaning that we have the resources to craft a treatment plan tailored to you.
If you have any questions about when a denture needs to be replaced, we can be reached at our website. You can also call our Simpsonville location at (864) 962-6671.