Modern dentures are much more durable than the prosthetics your parents or grandparents might have worn. However, they’re not designed to be permanent. Even the most tailor-made, high-quality denture will need to be replaced after about seven to ten years at most. But how can you tell when that time has come? Here are three telltale signs that you should replace your denture, and how stabilizing your next denture with dental implants can help it last several times longer!
3 Signs That You Need New Dentures
These three signs usually indicate that your denture is nearing the end of its lifespan:
1. Your Dentures Slip
A properly fitting denture will stay in place by natural suction against the gums. If your prosthetic is slipping or falling out, then it might need to be adjusted or replaced. You can use denture adhesive, but keep in mind that this is only a temporary fix.
2. Speaking Clearly Is Difficult
Loose dentures can make you accidentally slur your words or sound muffled. If your denture fits correctly, it shouldn’t interfere with your speech.
3. You’re Getting Gum Sores
Another consequence of a loose-fitting denture is gum irritation or sores from the extra friction of your denture shifting around. These may increase the risk of infections in your gums, so you’ll want to see your dentist right away to have your denture refitted or replaced.
Why You Should Consider Upgrading to an Implant Denture
You could choose to replace your current denture with another of the exact same type, but then you’d face the exact same problems less than a decade later. If you choose to have your next denture secured onto dental implants, however, you can avoid all of these problems entirely.
Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace the roots of the teeth – the part that is underneath the gums. Because these posts stimulate the jawbone, they prevent it from deteriorating as it ordinarily does after teeth are lost. Therefore, you can avoid the changes in your jawbone shape that make a traditional denture lose its fit after a few years. As long as you maintain good oral hygiene, dental implants can actually last for 30+ years.
Better yet, your replacement teeth will remain securely in place at all times. With implant dentures, you’ll never need to worry about your prosthetic slipping, falling out, irritating your gums, or causing speech difficulties. In fact, your new teeth will feel so natural that you might even forget you lost your original ones in the first place!
Even with the latest dental technology, traditional dentures still rarely last for more than a decade. But by stabilizing your denture onto dental implants, you can avoid the inconveniences of poorly fitting dentures. Ask your dentist today if implant dentures are right for you!
About the Author
With more than three full decades of experience in the dental field, Dr. George Hoop has helped countless patients enjoy complete smiles again after tooth loss. He has completed extensive post-graduate training through the Misch International Implant Institute, the Dawson Academy, the Pikos Institute, and other leading institutions in dentistry. Because of this, he can perform every step of the dental implant treatment process under one roof at Total Dental Solutions. To learn more about whether you’re a good candidate for implant dentures, visit Dr. Hoop’s website or call (239) 939-7299.