Given the wear and tear they go through every day, it’s only natural for your dentures to eventually break or become too deformed to fix. When this happens, you’ll need to get new dentures. If you want to avoid issues caused by worn and damaged dentures, then you need to have them replaced before they break or wear out entirely.

Here are some of the most common signs you should watch out for:

  • Constant discomfort. One of the most common signs of needing new dentures is experiencing pain or discomfort. If you notice that something has been “off” about your dentures recently, then it may be time to have it checked and replaced by your prosthetist.
  • Difficulty chewing food and speaking properly. Badly worn dentures as well as very loose dentures can make chewing food and speaking more difficult. If you notice that you’re constantly displacing your dentures when speaking, or can’t chew adequately whenever you eat, then it could be a sign that you need to replace it.
  • Irritated mouth and gums. Dentures that don’t stay in place because of change in shape can irritate your mouth or gums. Loose dentures will shift constantly inside your mouth, which could irritate surrounding gum tissues.  Watch out for signs of inflammation or redness in your gums or mouth.
  • Noticeable cracks or chips. Cracks and chips leave dentures vulnerable to further damage and could even cut your gums or cheeks in the worst cases.
  • Constantly biting the inside of your mouth or cheek. Worn or badly fitting dentures may not always hold back your inner cheek tissue sufficiently when chewing, causing you to bite into part of your inner cheek regularly.

How Long Do Dentures Last?

The lifespans of dentures depend on their material, design and amount of use. Most dentures, however, are designed to last somewhere between five to ten years.

If your dentures are at least five years old, then we recommend having them checked and serviced, even if you don’t notice any of the warning signs above. And even if they don’t need replacements, you can have your dentures relined or adjusted to ensure a better fit on your gums. Learn more about denture relines.

Need Denture Replacements or Servicing?

Save yourself the trouble of going without teeth replacements or getting hurt by worn dentures by having them replaced before they cause too much trouble. If you’re not sure whether your current dentures need to be replaced, book an appointment with us today so we can evaluate them and recommend your best options. Call us on 1300 304 092 or send us a message online for more information.