It has been years since you received your initial set of dentures, and you’ve enjoyed being able to eat and speak without much worry. You feel confident in your appearance, and you’ve noticed that others seem to admire the look of your smile. Appreciating the benefits these prosthetics provide, you now find that it might be time to trade them in. Here are 4 signs that you should see your dentist about making the switch to a new pair or better yet, transitioning to a more permanent smile.
How Can I Know When It’s Time for New Dentures?
Certain situations like a broken denture are likely to be obvious when it comes to receiving a new denture, but others may not be as easy to identify. These prosthetics are not meant to last forever. In fact, most only have a lifespan of 5-7 years.
When determining whether you should keep wearing the set you have to trade them in for new ones, here are a few signs to watch for:
- If you find that they no longer fit properly. Bone atrophy occurs when there is no root to stimulate the bone. Over time, it will shrink and cause your denture to no longer fit as it should.
- The base of the denture is chipped or broken. This can be disastrous for your mouth if you continue to wear a damaged denture. Soft tissues can be lacerated, and natural teeth can be negatively affected.
- Your speech becomes slurred, or you begin to salivate more heavily. This is often due to a poor fit that must be addressed.
- Your dentures appear discolored. Although not porous like regular enamel, denture materials can stain over time.
Why Consider Implant Dentures?
While you do have the option of switching to another customized denture, there is also the potential for implant dentures. These permanent prosthetics fit into the jawbone, effectively replacing the roots and crowns of teeth.
Requiring only 4-6 implant posts that are made of titanium, they are positioned within the bone and fuse over time with the surrounding tissues. Creating a stable and firm foundation for your new smile, a customized denture can be created and secured to the tops of the implants.
Instead of seeking a replacement or adjustment every few years, you can enjoy a smile that is known to last three decades or more. Some dentists report that patients enjoyed their implants for a lifetime.
The option is yours when it comes to replacing your artificial teeth, but if you want a solution that causes you to worry less and enjoy life to the fullest, you might think about making the switch to implant dentures.
About Grand Dental – Sycamore
At Grand Dental – Sycamore, we never want our patients to be disappointed with their tooth replacements. Whether it is dentures or dental implants, we aim to deliver high-quality results that allow for an improved quality of life. If you are struggling with your current prosthetics, visit our website to find out how we can help.