Many people in Bowmanville have traditional dentures. These removable appliances are cost-effective, replacing multiple missing teeth and restoring the ability to chew food comfortably. However, dentures do not last forever, and tend to need replacing every 5 to 7 years.
Why Replace Dentures Regularly?
Over time, dentures can begin to show signs of age. The denture base may begin to crack, and denture teeth can wear down. Additionally, the fit of a denture can change due to jawbone and gum resorption.
If you have worn dentures for several years, you have probably noticed that they start to fit less comfortably as your jawbone changes shape. You may find you need to use denture adhesive more regularly to try to hold them in place.
Wearing an ill-fitting denture can accelerate jawbone loss. The denture will likely start to rub uncomfortably or painfully on your gums.
When to Replace Dentures
Various signs can indicate that your dentures may need replacing, including the following.
Visible Wear and Tear
If you look at your dentures, you may notice they have small cracks or chips, or possibly some denture teeth are loose. Chips or cracks can harbour bacteria, making dentures trickier to keep clean and increasing the risk of mouth infections.
Discomfort and Pain
When a denture is well-fitting, it should feel reasonably comfortable to use all day. If your denture has begun to feel uncomfortable or painful, consider seeing a denture dentist in Newcastle. It may be possible to reline or adjust the denture, but otherwise you might need to consider replacing it entirely.
Speaking and Chewing Becomes Trickier
An ill-fitting denture can move around when you speak or make a clicking sound. It can also cause problems when you try to eat. Consequently, you may find you avoid certain foods, making it harder to maintain a nutritious diet.
What to Do If You Think Your Dentures Need Replacing
Come and see us at West Bowmanville Family Dental. We can assess your denture professionally, examine your mouth, and determine if a new denture is appropriate.
Relining Existing Dentures
If your denture is still in reasonably good condition, we might be able to reline the fitting surface. Adding more material to the fitting surface to accommodate the changing shape of your jawbone can help the denture fit more snugly.
Denture Repairs
A denture that is chipped, cracked, or broken can often be repaired. We make every effort to complete denture repairs in Clarington quickly, understanding you don’t want to be without your teeth for long.
Replacing an Aging Denture
If we think you need a new denture, we can provide a suitable treatment plan, outlining the different types of denture teeth available and the costs. It can take several weeks to make a new denture, so if your current denture is broken, we will try to repair it as a temporary solution.
Alternatives to Traditional Dentures
Another option is to consider dental implants in Courtice. Different solutions are available, including implant-supported dentures, where your denture would clip onto the implants in your jawbone.
Implant-Supported Denture
An implant-supported denture looks like an ordinary denture but is stronger and more stable, eliminating problems like uncomfortable, loose dentures and increasing your biting and chewing strength. Just like an ordinary denture, you remove this appliance for cleaning, but can snap it back into your mouth, knowing it will be fully secured.
Dental Implant Bridge
An alternative would be to consider getting rid of a denture entirely and replacing it with a dental bridge permanently attached to the implants. Unlike a denture, this is nonremovable and provides a biting and chewing strength similar to natural teeth.