You could’ve sworn your dentures used to be more pleasant. Maybe your mouth has been sore lately, or maybe you’ve noticed chips that definitely weren’t there before. Either way, you’re not happy with them anymore. But you rely on your dentures. Admitting they feel more like a burden than a boon can be difficult.

Fortunately, your dentist can craft a replacement! If you need help figuring out whether it’s time to retire your current set, keep reading. There are some objective signs you can measure your dentures against.

How to Know Your Dentures Gotta Go

The bottom line is that you shouldn’t hate your dentures. Irritants can indicate more than dissatisfaction – there could be something wrong with your oral appliance! Watch out for these signs:

• They just don’t fit like they used to. Are your dentures slipping or falling out? Does your bite rest awkwardly? This could mean you need a new fit. Your dentist can adjust your dentures, or if necessary, replace them entirely.
• Your dentures are damaged or stained. If you don’t like the way your dentures look, you might avoid wearing them. But damage or discoloration on your dentures can indicate areas where oral bacteria can accumulate. To avoid future complications, go ahead and ask to fix or replace them.
• Oral discomfort is giving you the blues. Irritation, inflammation, soreness, and ulcers in your mouth (especially your gums) can also indicate your dentures don’t fit. Or they could mean you have an underlying issue that needs treatment. Either way, you’ll want to have your dentist take a look.
• You’re having a hard time moving your mouth. Part of the reason you got dentures is so you can eat and speak more easily. If eating is difficult and you’re experiencing slurred speech, it’s definitely time for a new set that can do its job better.

Since you do rely on your dentures, it’s important to address any issues they’re causing for you. Dental appointments can often seem inconvenient, but it’s better to invest a few minutes or hours into denture care than endure multiple years of discomfort. Let your dentist know if your denture’s performance isn’t up to par!

Long-Lasting Denture Alternatives

Dentures are a good, reliable replacement option for those that need them. However, if you’re tired of repeated resizing replacements, there is an alternative: implant dentures.

Normally, absent teeth cause your jawbone to deteriorate, resulting in bone loss and needing to adjust your dentures to accommodate the change. With implant dentures, posts anchor your dentures to your jawbone. Your jawbone will then get to work integrating with these posts. Once it does, it will actually stay in place, preventing deterioration and fit changes. Implant dentures can last you a lifetime!

No matter which replacement option you choose, be sure to consult with your dentist. They’ll make sure your dentures are more comfortable and dependable!

About the Author

Dr. E. Charles Beliveau is dedicated to improving his patient’s smiles and oral health. To ensure he provides the best quality care, he keeps up with continuing education and emerging dental technologies. He’s also highly qualified himself, so you can be confident a consultation with Dr. Beliveau will be informative, productive, and welcoming. To have him investigate your dentures, call his office at 978-687-5900. For more information, explore his website.