4 Ways You Can Tell It’s Time for a New Set of Dentures

Do your dentures no longer feel comfortable? Do they slip while eating or fit poorly? Ill-fitting dentures are a common occurrence, and sometimes, a quick reline just won’t do the trick. A local dentist shares 4 ways you can tell it’s time to consider getting a new prosthetic and why you might opt for a more permanent solution with implant-retained dentures. 

How to Know When Your Dentures Need to Be Replaced

Over time, your jawbone can begin to shrink, causing changes to your facial shape and structure, resulting in your denture no longer fitting correctly. If you are unsure when you should seek a replacement denture, here are a few ways to tell:

• It Continues to Fall Out – Natural suction is meant to keep a snug denture firmly in place; however, if continuously slips or falls out, it likely needs to be adjusted or replaced. While it is possible to apply a denture adhesive for added security, this will only work temporarily.
• You Develop Sores on Your Gums – When your dentures begin to rub against the soft tissues because they no longer fit, it’s time to look into replacing your prosthetics. Oral lesions are not meant to develop while wearing dentures, so if your gums become sensitive and sore, you’ll need to see your dentist for help.
• You Notice a Change in the Way You Talk – In the beginning, it’s natural to have a slight lisp while adjusting to your new denture; however, this should go away in a short amount of time. If you begin to notice a change in how you talk, it may be because your prosthetic no longer fits properly and is causing you to have difficulty pronouncing certain words or syllables.
• You Discover Chips in the Base of Your Denture – Think of it this way: if the foundation of your house begins to crack, your home is no longer on stable ground. The same goes for dentures. Should you accidentally drop your denture, and a crack develops, you’ll need to have it replaced as soon as possible to avoid additional problems in the future.

Implant-Retained Dentures: A More Permanent Solution

If you’d rather avoid these common issues and spend more of your time and money on other things you enjoy, consider implant-retained dentures. Instead of sitting on top of your gums, they are surgically anchored to your jawbone, creating a natural look and feel that doesn’t require frequent relining or replacements. Your new smile will remain firmly in place because of the implants’ ability to fuse with the bone and surrounding tissue, creating a firm and stable foundation for your customized denture.

No matter how you choose to replace your missing teeth, it’s important that you pay attention to how your prosthetic feels within your mouth. Should you notice any issues or discomfort, don’t wait to seek treatment. Instead, contact your dentist as soon as possible to receive the care you need for a healthier smile.

About the Author
Dr. Gary Rosenfeld earned his doctorate at Columbia University Dental School in 1984 before completing a General Practice Residency at Sea View Hospital on Staten Island. Dr. Rosenfeld and his team at East Islip Dental Care want you to feel confident and comfortable with your dentures, which is why they encourage all patients with missing teeth to regularly visit the office for checkups. Should there be any causes for concerns regarding fit or comfort, Dr. Rosenfeld can recommend appropriate treatment to help you get back to enjoying your smile. If you are wearing dentures or have dental implants, visit our website or call (631) 983-4660.