Many patients with multiple missing teeth opt for convenient and affordable dentures. This tooth-replacement option restores a patient’s ability to smile, speak, and chew. New dentures should feel comfortable, allow you to eat almost anything, and provide a bright, confident smile.

Despite being made from high-quality, durable materials, most dentures eventually need to be repaired or replaced for patients to continue experiencing these benefits.

The following signs indicate a need to have your dentures repaired or replaced:

1.    Movement

Bone resorption is normal for patients with dentures. This is the process by which bones are broken down by osteoclast cells in the body. Because the bones and gums are shifting, dentures will become loose which can be extremely embarrassing and uncomfortable for the denture wearer—especially while eating. Loose-fitting dentures can also cause slurred speech, lisping, or extreme salivation.

Your dentist can solve this problem by relining or replacing the dentures.

2.    Tight fit

Tight-fitting dentures often cause inflamed or bleeding gums and difficulty with chewing and talking. Pressure sores are another sure sign that your dentures are too tight. These sores will develop only where the dentures put an uncomfortable amount of pressure on the gums instead of evenly distributing the pressure.

Some patients are tempted to bend their dentures to fix this issue and end up cracking their dentures as a result. Your dentist should be able to file down the dentures for a more comfortable fit.

3.    Cracks, chips, and breaks

Regardless of the material of your artificial teeth, they are susceptible to damage. Cracks, chips, and breaks don’t usually affect the denture’s function, but they can create sharp surfaces that irritate or cut the soft oral tissues.

If the damage isn’t extensive, the dentist should be able to fix the crack or chip with dental bonding.

4.    Stains or Odors

Certain foods and beverages can stain dentures just like they can stain natural teeth. Most of the time, the dentist can polish the prosthetic to look like new. However, not all stains can be counteracted.

It’s important to visit your dentist if you notice undesirable odors coming from your denture. This could indicate that bad bacteria are growing on your dentures which may lead to gum infection or the deterioration of your remaining natural teeth.

For dentures with irremovable stains and odors, a replacement may be the only viable option. Be sure to follow your dentist’s care instructions to avoid stains and odors in the future.

5.    Unnatural appearance

Your dentures should be a source of confidence, not embarrassment. Yet, many people feel just as insecure about their dentures as they did with their missing or unhealthy teeth.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your denture, it’s time for a replacement. A skilled dentist, like Dr. Lee, combined with modern digital denture technology makes for a natural-looking restoration. Dr. Lee uses precision and skill to match the shape, color, and size of your former teeth.

With your new denture, you can walk out into the world feeling beautiful and confident.

Schedule an Appointment Today

When it comes to dentures, your dentist’s experience, skill, and use of technology are important. Although it’s entirely normal to replace or repair your denture every five to seven years, you should be happy with the fit and appearance of your denture during that time.

To meet with our Grant Park dentist, call 404-328-7177.