The tissues supporting a denture can change over time. The denture itself can also wear, chip, crack or lose some of its original fit.
Your Denture Moves When You Eat or Speak
A denture that once felt secure may begin moving or rocking during everyday activities. A change in stability is worth assessing, particularly when it affects eating or speaking comfortably.
You Are Developing Sore Spots
A denture should not continually rub or injure your gums. Poor fit can contribute to irritation, sore spots or ulcers. Recurring soreness is a reason to have both your mouth and denture examined.
Eating Has Become More Difficult
If chewing has gradually become more difficult, your denture may need attention. Loss of stability, retention or support can interfere with comfortable eating.
You Depend More on Denture Adhesive
Adhesive can be useful in some situations, but it should not hide a significant fit problem. If you need much more adhesive than before simply to keep a denture in place, discuss it with your denturist.
Your Denture Is Cracked, Chipped or Worn
Denture teeth can wear or chip, acrylic can crack, and partial denture components can become damaged. Watch for:
- Chipped or missing denture teeth
- Cracked or broken acrylic
- Bent or broken metal components
- Changes in how the denture sits while eating or speaking
A damaged denture should be professionally assessed rather than altered at home.
Your Dentures Are Several Years Old
There is no single age at which every denture must automatically be replaced. People's mouths and dentures change at different rates, and the correct decision depends on an examination of fit, support, function, appearance and your experience.
The American College of Prosthodontists recommends that removable dentures in use for more than five years be evaluated for possible replacement. This does not mean every five-year-old denture needs to be replaced; age is one reason to have it carefully examined.
Do I Need a Reline or a New Denture?
Not every loose denture needs to be replaced. Depending on its condition and changes in your mouth, an adjustment or reline may be appropriate. In other cases, a new denture may offer the better long-term result.
The right choice depends on examining both your mouth and your existing denture.
Regular Checkups Still Matter
Having no natural teeth does not mean there is nothing in your mouth to check. Your gums, tongue and other oral tissues still require care, and regular assessments help evaluate denture fit and condition.
When in doubt
Have Them Checked
A denture may still be wearable even though it is no longer working as well as it once did. If yours feels loose, uncomfortable, worn or simply different, Alvarez Denture Clinic can assess its fit and condition and discuss the options available.