Dentures are one of the most popular ways to restore your smile after losing teeth because they are a versatile solution. Whether you require a partial set to fill in a few gaps or need to replace an entire arch simultaneously, your dentist can provide prosthetics to accommodate.
Furthermore, dentures often remain in good shape for about 7 to 10 years, depending on how well you care for them. However, they don’t usually last forever, so you’ll likely need to replace them at some point. Continue reading to learn about 3 signs that let you know it’s time!
Indicator #1: They Feel Loose
Your prosthetics are customized at every step of their design and creation to fit your mouth like a glove. This allows them to form a tight bond against your connective tissues to remain firmly in place all day.
Did you know, though, that your jaw thins after tooth loss? Without roots to stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down, it begins to deteriorate. This can shift the shape of your face and cause your dentures to become loose or ill-fitting. If yours feel wobbly or destabilized, you should contact your dentist to have them relined or replaced.
Indicator #2: You Developed a Lisp
Your teeth play a pivotal role in your ability to speak clearly because you press your tongue against them to form specific sounds and words. Gaps in your grin can lead to a lisp or other changes in your speech patterns that can thankfully be overcome once you’ve adjusted to wearing dentures.
Unfortunately, if you’ve noticed that you’ve started slurring words or struggle to enunciate different sounds, then your restoration might not be fitting as well as it should. Your tongue and other supporting muscles in your mouth can become overworked from trying to keep them stable while speaking, so you may need to invest in a new set.
Indicator #3: They Hurt to Wear
Ill-fitting teeth can also cause aches and inflammation, making it difficult to wear them. If your prosthetics don’t form a tight enough bond against your gums, they can rub sore spots in the connective tissues. Not only might these become infected by bacteria, but they can also make inserting your dentures so painful that you avoid it. It’s time to contact your dentist if it hurts to put your restoration in your mouth for any length of time.
If you’re experiencing these issues or have other challenges with your dentures, you should contact your provider for help sooner rather than later!
About the Practice
Patients at Dental Group West benefit from a team of dedicated dentists who provide a full array of services to people of all ages. With 30+ years of combined experience, they can help with everything from basic preventative care to more involved treatments, including dentures. They combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to create durable replacement teeth designed to look just like the ones that went missing. You can request an appointment on the website or call (419) 539-2168.