Dentures are made to fit your mouth, but your mouth does not stay exactly the same forever.
The gums and tissues supporting a denture can change over time. The denture itself can also wear or become damaged.
That means a denture that once felt comfortable may eventually begin to feel different.
Here are some signs it may be time to have your dentures evaluated.
1. Your Dentures Feel Loose
If your dentures have started slipping or moving more than they used to, the fit may have changed.
This does not automatically mean you need completely new dentures.
Dentures Oakville
In some cases, an adjustment or reline may help. Your dentist needs to assess the denture and the tissues underneath it before deciding.
2. You Are Developing Sore Spots
A new denture may require an adjustment period, but recurring or persistent sore areas should not simply be ignored.
Poorly fitting dentures can irritate the gums and oral tissues.
If one area continually becomes red, tender or painful, schedule a dental examination.
3. Eating Has Become More Difficult
Pay attention if foods that were previously easy to eat become difficult or uncomfortable.
Changes in chewing can indicate that the denture is no longer functioning or fitting as well as it once did.
Rather than eliminating more and more foods from your diet, have the problem assessed.
4. Your Speech Has Changed
Dentures play a role in how your tongue, lips and teeth interact during speech.
If your dentures have become increasingly unstable, you may notice changes when speaking or feel that you have to work harder to keep them in place.
A change in speech is another reason to evaluate the fit.
5. Your Dentures Are Cracked or Damaged
Visible cracks, broken denture teeth or damaged components should be assessed professionally.
Do not try to repair them with household glue.
Even a repair that looks successful can alter the way the denture fits and contacts the opposing teeth.
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6. The Denture Looks Noticeably Worn
Dentures experience everyday forces from eating and speaking.
Over time, the denture teeth and materials can wear.
If you notice significant changes in the appearance or shape of your denture, ask your dentist to check whether it is still functioning appropriately.
7. Your Face or Bite Feels Different
Changes in how your dentures fit can affect the way your upper and lower teeth come together.
If your bite feels different or you notice a significant change in how the dentures support your lips and face, it is worth having them assessed rather than assuming the change is simply part of getting older.
Do Dentures Have to Be Replaced on a Specific Schedule?
There is no single replacement timeline that is right for every patient. Your mouth, denture, oral health and daily habits are individual.
What matters is whether the denture:
- Fits properly
- Remains in good condition
- Allows you to function comfortably
- Is compatible with the health of your mouth
Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor these factors over time.
Adjustment, Reline or Replacement?
A loose or uncomfortable denture does not automatically require a new one.
Depending on the situation, your dentist may recommend:
Adjustment: Small changes to relieve pressure or improve comfort. Reline: Modifying the surface that rests against your gums to improve the fit.
Replacement: Creating a new denture when the existing one can no longer provide an appropriate result.
The important part is determining why your denture no longer feels right before deciding how to correct it.
Denture Replacement in Oakville
You should not have to wait until your dentures are broken or impossible to wear before asking your dentist to check them.
If your dentures are loose, uncomfortable, damaged or simply do not feel the way they used to, an examination can help identify what has changed.
At Smiles by Bis in Oakville, our dental team can evaluate your existing dentures, your oral tissues and your bite and discuss whether an adjustment, reline or replacement may be appropriate.
Call 905-338-6684 to book your denture assessment in Oakville.