Dentures are built to stand the test of time, but just like your natural teeth that can become damaged, stained, or compromised throughout your life, restorations are also impacted by wear-and-tear. If you have had your partial dentures for over five years and notice that they do not quite fit in your mouth the way they did when you first got them, it is likely time to see if they need to be replaced. Read on to learn five definitive signs you should invest in a new partial denture.
1. They Are Visibly Damaged
While your dentures are crafted from durable materials that can resist staining and stand the test of time, they are not invincible. They can still be impacted by daily use, which can also lead to dental damage. If you notice that either the base or artificial teeth of your dentures are chipped, misshapen, or otherwise damaged, it is time to have them replaced.
2. You Have a Difficult Time Chewing
One wonderful benefit of dentures is that they restore your ability to chew all of your favorite foods, with some basic limitations, like avoiding crusty breads and excessively chewy items. However, if you notice that your partial dentures shift in your mouth or cause discomfort when you’re eating a meal, this is a sign that they are not properly fitted to your smile.
3. They Look Stained or Dirty
With time, you may notice that your restorations begin to look discolored. This is often due to consuming stain-causing foods and beverages, like coffee, red wine, and tomato-based sauces. Replacing them will restore your smile’s beautiful appearance and boost your confidence.
4. You Experience Discomfort or Chronic Pain
Pressure sores and chronic pain often develop when partial dentures are not properly fitted atop your gumline. This discomfort can indicate a change in the shape of your jawbone, which naturally will happen with time since your tooth roots are no longer stimulating the area. Getting a new denture fitted properly can relieve your sores and pain.
5. Your Speech Patterns Change
When your dentures are new, it will likely take some time to adjust to speaking with them in your mouth due to excess saliva production, but this process only takes about 30 days. If you notice that your speech patterns begin to change after this adjustment period takes place, it can be a sign that your partials no longer properly fit within your mouth.
About the Practice
At Devoted Family Dental Phoenix, our team is led by Dr. John Ludu and Dr. Rhenu Sharma, who have multiple decades of experience under their belts. They have served their community since 2006 and in that time have helped countless patients restore not only their smiles, but also their confidence, by replacing missing teeth. They offer a variety of top-tier tooth replacement treatments, including traditional and implant dentures. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 623-444-6222.