Modern dentures have come a very long way in recent years. They’re now so incredibly realistic that it’s easy to forget that you’re wearing them, or that they aren’t your natural teeth.
However, as with any kind of dental work, you should be aware that your prosthetic won’t last forever. Eventually they’ll succumb to daily wear, and you’ll need to replace them to keep them functioning reliably. Here are some signs that you may need to do that soon.
Visible Damage to the Dentures
First of all, if your dentures have any signs of obvious wear and tear, that’s a good indicator that you’re going to have to replace or repair them soon. It’s typically a good idea to deal with these kinds of issues early, before they start to become serious.
While you can look at your dentures on your own, a professional’s eye for damage will be much sharper than yours. For that reason, it’s a good idea to see your dentist often for checkups so that they can check the integrity of your prosthetic.
Overusing Denture Adhesive
It’s pretty common for people with dentures to need a little bit of denture adhesive to help their prosthetic stay in place. Most of the time, you shouldn’t need any more than a few pea-sized drops to hold the prosthetic secure.
If you notice that you’re really glomming it on in order to keep your prosthetic in place, it’s usually a good idea to talk to your dentist about relining or replacing your dentures. It may be the case that your prosthetic has broken or that your gums have shrunk.
You Notice An Increase in Denture Sores
If you remember back to when you first got your dentures, you’re probably plenty familiar with denture sores. As you get used to wearing your prosthetic you’re likely to experience fewer and fewer of them, but after a few decades, you could notice them start to crop up again. This is because dentures that don’t fit tend to irritate the gums.
If you’ve noticed that your gums have started to develop sores to a greater extent than before, you may need to talk to your dentist about whether there are issues with your prosthetic.
About the Author
As a certified prosthodontist, Dr. Marjan Salari is an expert in completely transforming the look and feel of people’s smiles. She prides herself on being able to welcome patients from a variety of backgrounds into her office, and on giving them the care that they deserve. Dr. Salari received her dental degree from the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium, and upon moving to the U.S. completed a three-year residency at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
If you have any questions about dentures, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (703) 763-0800.