Ideally, dentures should be long-lasting. However, the reality is that most dentures don’t last as long as  you’d think, and many people find their dentures wearing out faster than they would like.

In general, dentists say dentures last 7-10 years. However, many people find their dentures don’t last nearly that long. Instead of going by the calendar, it’s more important to pay attention to the signs that your dentures are worn out and in need of replacement. Here are signs that your dentures need to be replaced, though in some cases, a reline or repair might work, too.

senior woman with blue shirt shows off her amazing smileDiscomfort

Discomfort is one of the key indicators that it’s time to replace your dentures. It’s a sign that your dentures are not properly fitted to your mouth.

For some people, denture pain develops over time. Other people find they have denture pain almost constantly, even with new dentures. This does not mean those people shouldn’t replace their dentures, it means that they got dentures that are not properly fitted, and they will need to be replaced anyway. It is possible to have pain-free dentures. Don’t resign yourself to suffering simply because your first denture dentist couldn’t achieve a comfortable fit.

Difficulty Chewing

Dentures are supposed to replace your teeth. While traditional dentures won’t fully restore the function of your mouth for biting and chewing, they should help you chew reasonably well.

You should have the ability to eat a nutritious diet with a good variety of foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, unprocessed meat, quality bread, and more.

If your dentures don’t let you chew this variety of food, it’s time to replace them. Even if your dentures are relatively new, it’s time to consider replacement.

Dentures Loose or Falling Out

Dentures should be secure. If your dentures are always loose or at risk of falling out whenever you talk, laugh, cough, or sneeze, then it’s time to consider replacement.

Denture fit is also something that some dentures never achieve, especially economy dentures. These dentures are poorly designed and aren’t always able to give you the fit that you need to keep them secure. Sometimes the best thing to do is to get rid of these dentures and start over with better ones.

Sores and Gum Irritation

In addition to discomfort, you might notice that your dentures are causing sores and gum irritation in your mouth. These sores could be the sign of many common denture problems.

These sores might be related to dentures that are loose and sliding around in your mouth. As they move, they rub against your gums, leading to sores and irritation.

Dentures might also fit so that they result in imbalanced forces in your mouth. This can mean that when you bite down, your dentures press harder in some places than others, leading to painful sores.

Another problem that can lead to sores on your gums is dentures that let food get underneath them. The food particles can irritate your gums. You might have to give up some foods, but for the most part, your dentures should protect you from this.

Gum irritation could also com from dentures that are not fully cleaned. Dentures that get too dirty and are too hard to clean might need replacement.

Difficulty Speaking

Speaking is another important function that dentures should be able to help you with. Your dentures should effectively replace your teeth in this function, making it easier for you to speak clearly.

Often, it takes time to adapt to speaking with dentures, but if you’ve put in the time and your dentures still interfere with speech, it might be best to replace your dentures and start over.

happy man smiling outdoors next to a lakeStains and Odors

Dentures are exposed daily to foods, beverages, and other substances in your mouth. Over time, dentures can pick up odors or become discolored.

Ideally, taking good care of your dentures should help you avoid persistent stains and odors for many years. However, many dentures are made with low-density plastics. These plastics are prone to staining and picking up odors. These dentures might not last long before they are stained and smelly, and no amount of cleaning can make them reasonable again.

Broken Teeth or Base

Dentures are made of a variety of materials. Most of these are resistant to damage and wear. However, over time dentures can get damaged. They might chip, crack, or wear down.

Some situations can lead to premature denture damage. You might drop them. Dentures might have imbalanced forces that can cause them to wear down or crack early. Or dentures might not be strong, and they are more vulnerable to damage than they should be.

Is It Time for a Denture Upgrade?

If it’s time to replace dentures, you should consider whether you want to get the same kind of dentures again or if you want to consider high-end dentures like FOY® Dentures.

You should consider a denture upgrade if:

  • You were never happy with your dentures
  • Dentures wore out too quickly
  • You felt your dentures made you compromise your life
  • You want to live your best life with dentures

If any of these describe how you feel when thinking about getting new dentures, a FOY® Dentures dentist can help. Please contact a local FOY® Dentures dentist today to learn more about the benefits of FOY® Dentures.