Dentures are the tried-and-true way to rebuild smiles after tooth loss because of their many benefits. They are customized to look as lifelike as possible to boost your confidence, and can help you speak and eat more normally.
These restorations can last 5 to 10+ years with proper care, but they typically require periodic relining, repairs, or replacement. If you’re unsure whether you need to consider getting new dentures, continue reading to learn more about 3 potential indicators that it’s time!
Sign #1: They Feel Loose
Your dentures are carefully crafted at each stage of their creation to fit your unique dimensions like a glove. However, did you know your jawbone starts to weaken after tooth loss? Under normal circumstances, the roots of your teeth stimulate new bone growth each time you bite down. When they go missing, your jaw thins and the bony ridges in your mouth flatten, leaving your restoration without a firm enough anchor.
If your teeth feel wobbly in your mouth or often become destabilized or dislodged, scheduling an appointment with your dentist can determine whether they can be fixed or if it’s best to be fitted with a new pair.
Sign #2: You Develop a Lisp
It’s not uncommon to develop temporary changes to speech patterns, such as a lisp or slur, when your prosthetics are new. This can sometimes occur because it can take about a month for your tongue and other tissues in your mouth to acclimate to them.
But if you notice that you’re struggling to enunciate certain sounds after having your restoration for several years, it might be due to jawbone degeneration. If your dentures can’t form a tight enough bond against your connective tissues, your mouth can become so preoccupied trying to hold them in place that it can be challenging to form different words.
Sign #3: They Cause Discomfort
Have you developed blisters or sores that make wearing your restoration uncomfortable? If your dentures don’t fit correctly, the acrylic base can rub back and forth against your gums, leaving them feeling raw or inflamed. Unfortunately, this makes it easier for bacteria in your mouth to penetrate them and cause gum disease.
If you’re avoiding wearing your dentures because of wounds in your mouth, it’s time to contact your dentist to assess them.
It’s natural to have questions about the condition of your restoration. If you’re still unsure whether you need new dentures, consulting your dentist can provide the answers you seek!
About the Practice
Patients at Spring Dentist benefit from two dentists dedicated to helping them build and maintain their happiest, healthiest smiles. Dr. Kuykendall and Dr. Paal collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages conveniently under one roof. They prioritize patient care and comfort, and have the experience and advanced technology to assess the condition of your dentures to suggest an appropriate treatment plan. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (281) 353-9797.