How Often Do You Need To Replace Dentures?
At Pearl Denture Studio, we often have patients asking how often they’ll need to replace dentures and what they can do to prolong their denture’s lifespan. And though lifestyle can heavily impact the answer, we generally suggest a full replacement every 5 – 7 years, as your jaw structure will naturally change as you grow older.
In today’s article, we look at signs you need to replace dentures and what you can do to ensure your dentures last as long as possible.
Signs you need to replace dentures
Dentures feel loose
If your full dentures are starting to feel loose, it may be time to replace them. This is especially certain if you’ve already had them relined and repaired in the past, as the degradation of the dentures may reach a point where relining won’t be enough. Denture adhesive may be able to get you through until your next dental appointment, but it’s worth having your dentures replaced as soon as possible for a better quality of life.
Your dentures feel painful or uncomfortable
Though some pain and discomfort is to be expected with new dentures, if you’ve had dentures for a while and are only just starting to feel pain, it may be a sign they need replacing. Sores and lesions are a number one indicator that relining or a denture replacement is needed, which should be done as soon as possible to avoid any further pain.
Your dentures are damaged
There’s only so much that can be done to repair dentures, as warping, large chips and cracks, and teeth falling out, which means your dentures will need a complete replacement. Dentures are frequently damaged by falling off counters or being dropped on the floor or can even dry out if left exposed to air for too long.
Your dentures are discoloured
If you’re a fan of wine, tea or coffee, you’ll likely end up needing to replace your dentures a little sooner. This is because it’s not possible to remove stains from dentures, nor is it a cost-effective option to simply replace the teeth. If you’re self-conscious about yellow teeth, having your dentures replaced can instantly restore your smile.
How to make your dentures last longer
When cared for properly, dentures can last several years. To maintain your dentures, it’s recommended you do the following:
- Wash your dentures after meals and consuming beverages such as tea, coffee and wine.
- Avoid smoking, as this will prematurely stain your dentures.
- Store your dentures in water or a special denture solution every night.
- Avoid leaving dentures in places where they can be knocked to the ground.
- Have denture relines when needed.
- Brush your dentures with a special denture cleaning solution twice a day.
- Avoid peppermints
Why you need to replace dentures
Though it may seem better to simply forge ahead and buy denture adhesive, the effects of poor fitting dentures on your health can be severe. Loose dentures can cause a series of health problems, including gum problems, sores and lesions and bacterial build up. A poorly fitted denture can also rub up against the jawbone, causing it to deteriorate faster. It can also have a big impact on your confidence, as you may feel too self-conscious to speak or eat in front of other people.
Interested to Learn More
Think it’s time for a denture replacement? Call our denture clinic today on 02 6662 1137 or book online and we’ll be in touch shortly. Or take a look at some of our other blog articles for tips and tricks on maintaining dentures.