Back

2 minute read

Dentures are designed to last for many years when they’re made from good quality materials by an experienced denture prosthetist, but they don’t last forever. This is because natural teeth and jaws will age, like any other part of the body. In the absence of natural teeth and tooth roots to help stimulate the jaw bone, it can start to shrink over time.

Denture repairs and relines can extend the lifespan of dentures, but eventually they need to be replaced – and delaying this too long can lead to a range of oral health problems.

Here are some of the common signs that you should visit your dentist to upgrade to new dentures or consider other missing teeth replacement solutions using dental implants.

1.    Pain or discomfort

It’s normal to experience some discomfort when your dentures are first fitted and you’re adjusting to them, but discomfort that gradually develops over time is a cause for concern. Having your dentures relined every year or two may help to improve their fit, but they will still require replacing regularly.

2. Mouth or gum irritation

If dentures bend out of shape and start to shift around, they can irritate the gum and soft tissues inside of the mouth. This may lead to swelling, redness, sores or lesions if they’re not replaced.

3. Dentures feel loose or fall out

If your dentures start to feel loose in your mouth, it can be a sign that they need a reline or replacement. Your dentist will check that your dentures fit comfortably every time you visit for your regular check-up, and if a reline is required they can ensure your bite (how the top and bottom teeth come together) doesn’t change.

4. Difficulty chewing

It can take some time to get used to the feeling of eating food with dentures, but this should stop being a problem after the initial adjustment period. If you continue to have difficulty biting or chewing food, this could be due to wear and tear or your dentures starting to come loose.

5. Difficulty speaking

Poorly-fitting dentures can sometimes affect speech. Your dentist may be able to adjust or repair your dentures, or they may need replacing with a new set of dentures that are a better fit for your mouth.

6. Dentures are damaged

Minor damage to dentures may be repaired by a dental technician or prosthetist, but more severely stained, chipped, cracked or broken dentures will usually need to be replaced. Wearing damaged dentures could put your mouth at risk from injury or infection, and you should not try to repair dentures yourself.

7. Dentures are discoloured

Dentures are prone to stains and discolouration from food and drink, tobacco and other sources, just like natural teeth are. Even if your dentures still fit comfortably, you may choose to have them replaced if you feel uncomfortable about their appearance. Like other teeth replacement options, teeth whitening treatments are not effective on dentures.

8. Dentures are older than 7 years

It’s not just dentures that can change over time, but also the shape of your gums and mouth. The life expectancy of dentures depends on the material they are made from, how well you care for them, the food you eat and other factors, but they can generally be expected to last between 5 and 10 years.

Long-term teeth replacement options

If you’re tired of wearing dentures that constantly come loose and you’d like to learn about how dental implants can help stabilise and secure dentures in place, book a consultation at Perth Dental Implant Centre in East Victoria Park or Kelmscott.

Implant-retained dentures can be a suitable upgrade for conventional denture-wearers looking to restore the function, feel and aesthetics of their smile. Call 1300 108 133 to book at our Kelmscott or East Vic Park clinic.