Well-made dentures are very durable, but they are not indestructible and should be considered as no more permanent than eyeglasses. Loose dentures are the result of bone loss and changing jaw alignment which can cause sore spots from the rubbing of the acrylic against the gums.
Your face, jaw and tissues change over the years, but your denture does not. Think about all of the other changes that have happened over the years! Your dentures are made of a hard acrylic which cannot adapt to all of the changes that take place in your bone structure, gums and muscles. Look for these signs that your complete denture or partial denture should be checked:
- sore and irritated gums
- persistent cracks at the corners of your mouth
- problems with chewing
- regular indigestion
- lower jaw sticking out more than it used to
- dentures are cracked, chipped, or the teeth look worn
- thinning lips, sagging mouth, changes in facial features that make you avoid photographs/social events
- loose, falling out when speaking or laughing
- discoloration and/or odor
- headaches, neck, and/or ear pain
- bone loss
- your partial is kept in your pocket most of the time
These changes happen gradually and it can be hard for denture wearers to realize there’s a problem until their mouth gets sore, the denture breaks, or a loved-one makes a comment. Meticulous care will extend the life of a set of dentures and will help to maintain their appearance, but over time dentures need to be relined, rebased, or remade due to normal wear.
Dentures may need to be replaced if they become loose and the teeth show signs of significant wear. You can expect your denture to last between 5-7 years with regular check-ups and maintenance from your Calgary denturist.
If you haven’t had a denture check-up in the past year, call us to book an appointment!
