When to Replace Your Denture

    A well made denture can become a part of you just like a hairstyle or pair of eyeglasses.  But just like eyeglasses your dentures need to be properly cared for, and sometimes rejuvenated or replaced due to normal wear and tear.   If your denture falls out when you are speaking or laughing, that is indeed no laughing matter. Our smile is a representation of who we are and an ill-fitting denture can be the source of major embarrassment or even medical complications. On average, most dentures are replaced every 3-8 years. A number of factors such as wear and deterioration of the denture materials, and changes that occur in the denture wearer's jaw may affect its longevity.

Problem Denture Signs and Symptoms

•          It's moving: The underlying structures supporting your denture as well as the rest of your mouth will change naturally with age.   Bone and gum tissues can recede which causes the jaws to align differently, which unfortunately changes the secure fit of your dentures.
•        Sore and irritated tissues:  The acrylic from an ill-fitting denture constantly rubbing against your oral tissues can cause sore spots, which may become infected over time.  Persistent oral lesions can cause cellular changes, which could even possibly lead to oral cancer.  If you have a sore spot please make an appointment in our office as soon as possible.
•       Supporting teeth have become damaged, cracked or have fallen out:  Often times a partial denture is  supported by the surrounding teeth to make it more stable.  The loss or damaged to an anchor tooth can cause the denture to be less stable and can cause additional forces to surrounding support structures.
•       Denture has discolored or has an odor: A denture may become porous from harsh cleaning products and may become traps for plaque and bacteria.  Dentures should be cleansed daily just like natural teeth to remove food particles, and bacteria.  Dentures must be kept moist to keep from drying out. Be careful of extremely hot water can also warp your denture.
•       You seldom wear your denture:  Teeth may drift and shift overtime.  Inconsistent wear may result in a tooth shift that may change the way that your denture fits and your teeth align.
•       Problems chewing certain foods, indigestion:    Normal eating involves mixing food thoroughly with saliva, and breaking it down into smaller particles. If your food is not chewed well, the hydrochloric acid (used by the stomach for protein digestion) and digestive enzymes from the intestines and pancreas cannot reach the inner parts of the nutrients, and these will be lost. The bacteria in the intestines will readily take over and finish the process, producing as a result excessive gas, bloating and other digestive complications. 
•       Headaches, neck or ear pain: This may be caused by neuromuscular issues that predominately takes place in what is known as the “TMJ” area.  These symptoms may also be caused by the surrounding teeth or oral structures surrounding the denture. Please consult our office if you have these symptoms.    
•       Denture Tooth Wear:  Grinding can take place day or night, which may have serious consequences for your oral health. Dentures should be removed at night to be cleansed and allow a chance for your oral tissues to rest.  If you wear your denture at night and also grind your teeth you may be grinding your denture as well. Excessive force may even cause microcracks in the denture, which may be a trap for bacteria.
•       Accidents and breakage: Dropping, stepping on or causing damage to the denture may lead to chips or cracks in the acrylic even if it is still mostly in tact.

      If you live in or around Woodbridge and are have any of these symptoms please contact our office to answer any of your questions or schedule an appointment to find out if you are in need of a new denture.