Wearing dentures can make your life much better. But just like anything else, they won’t last your whole life. Over time, your mouth and jawbone change shape, and even great dentures can get worn out. If you’ve had the same dentures for many years, it might be time to see if they still fit right.
Getting a new set can make you more comfortable, help you chew better, and give you a smile you feel good about. Here are some signs that it could be time for a replacement.
Signs You Need a New Denture
Changes in Fit and Comfort
You may need new dentures if they don’t fit like they used to. If they feel loose, slip when you talk or eat, or rub against your gums and cause sore spots, it’s a sign your mouth has changed. This is normal over time.
Dentures that don’t fit right are uncomfortable and may even cause other mouth problems. If you find yourself always pushing them back into place or using more adhesive than usual, it might be time for a new set.
Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
Dentures should help you eat and speak easily. Your dentures may be worn out or out of alignment if it’s harder to chew or your words don’t sound clear. Using dentures that make eating or talking difficult is frustrating and may even affect your nutrition if you start avoiding certain foods.
Visible Wear and Tear
Even if they feel okay, look closely at your dentures. Cracks, chips, or a worn-down appearance mean they may not be working as well as they should. Dentures are strong, but they don’t last forever. Stains or film that won’t clean off is a sign that the material is breaking down and trapping bacteria.
Gum Irritation or Infections
If you often have sore gums, redness, or signs of infection, your dentures could be the cause. An uneven fit can put too much pressure on some spots, and old dentures can develop rough edges that hurt your gums. Don’t ignore ongoing irritation because it can cause more serious health issues.
Changes in Facial Appearance
Dentures help support your face. If you notice your cheeks looking sunken, more wrinkles around your mouth, or your face seems to be sagging, your dentures may have lost their fit. Well-fitting dentures help you maintain a natural appearance. When they no longer support your face properly, it can change how you look.
Bad Odor or Persistent Taste
A bad smell or odd taste that doesn’t go away after cleaning is a sign your dentures need replacing. Tiny cracks or old material can trap bacteria that cause odors. If cleaning doesn’t help, it may be time for new dentures.
Clicking or Popping Sounds
If you notice your dentures making a clicking or popping noise when you talk or eat, it could be a sign they’ve become loose or don’t fit anymore. This happens as your jawbone changes shape over time. These sounds aren’t just annoying. They can also mean your dentures aren’t stable enough to work the way they should.
Headaches or Jaw Pain
Ill-fitting dentures can strain the muscles in your jaw and face. Sometimes it can cause headaches, jaw soreness, or even earaches. Your dentures might be the cause if you have tension or discomfort in these areas. A better-fitting set can often relieve this kind of discomfort.
Food Getting Trapped More Often
Some food particles can get under any denture. However, if you find yourself dealing with more frequent or larger bits of food stuck in places they never used to be, it means your dentures aren’t sealing well anymore. This is annoying and might make you less confident in social situations. It can also increase your risk of gum irritation and infections.
They Just Feel Old
Sometimes, you just know. If your dentures are many years old, even if they seem okay, materials break down over time. If you can’t remember the last time you had a new set, or if your dentures are older than five to seven years, it’s a good idea to have them checked. Advances in denture materials and fitting mean newer models are often more comfortable and natural-looking than older ones.
Are You Ready For A Denture Upgrade?
Visit Dr. Abraham Stein at The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry for all your denture care needs. If you suffer from extensive tooth loss, a new denture could help. Call our office today at 847-750-3125 or schedule an appointment online to learn more. We are your trusted prosthodontics in Skokie, IL.