Dentures are prosthetic appliances aimed at the replacement of missing teeth. They’re supported by your gum line, which provides a natural appearance and allows them to restore the normal function of your mouth. Most traditional dentures can be removed, but some may be attached to your teeth or fixed to teeth implants. A common misconception about dentures is that they can last a lifetime and don’t need to be replaced. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the average lifespan of dentures is 5 to 10 years. Hence, it’s useful to know when your removable denture is no longer appropriate for use since it can negatively affect your facial structure, quality of life, and dental health. 

Read on to discover the five signs to know when it’s best to replace your removable dentures. 

1. Damaged removable dentures
There may be many reasons to replace your dentures. For example, the changes in your facial muscles or jawbone deterioration. However, sometimes the condition of the prosthetic appliance itself can be a reason for replacement. Removable dentures can get crooked, chipped, or otherwise compromised due to daily wear and tear. Besides, they can lose their natural look, color, and texture over time. If your dentures show any sign of damage, it’s best to replace them to prevent gum irritation, bad breath, and unpleasant taste in the mouth. Luckily, many dental clinics provide affordable denture repairs, which is a great option for those in financial trouble.  

2. Mouth infections
Many of those wearing dentures aren’t aware that prosthetic appliances can trigger mouth infections. That’s because the plastic material of which dentures are manufactured has pores that slowly accumulate bacteria. If your dentures are old, there’s a risk you can get denture-induced stomatitis, which is a type of yeast infection. Stomatitis can cause your oral tissues to become sore and red. Dentures that don’t fit properly in your mouth can also be the culprit of infection. 

3. Altered facial structure
Ill-fitting dentures can be detrimental to the structure of your face. They can cause your jawbone to lose volume and density, misaligning its lower part. This will impact the facial muscles surrounding your mouth, making them saggy, and resulting in a prematurely aged appearance. 

4. Bad nutrition
Denture problems can negatively affect your nutrition by limiting the number of foods you can consume. Some foods that are essential for good health may be too hard to chew. This can result in a lack of sufficient nutrients, mineral and vitamin deficiencies, and a weakened immune system. 

5. Other important considerations
Other important factors can indicate a need for denture replacement. Some of these include:

• Disorders of the ear, nose, and throat and recurrent headaches 
• Slurred speech 
• Dentures that shift when you speak or chew
• Whistling, snapping, and clicking sounds
• Swollen or irritated gums

Dentures are meant to make you more self-confident and support your dental and overall health. Hence, they should function properly, fit correctly, and provide a natural appearance, so that you can benefit from wearing them. When your removable dentures become damaged, cause mouth infections, impact your facial structure, and lead to bad nutrition, it’s best to replace them right away to prevent additional complications.  

The bottom line
If you’ve been wearing your dentures for more than five years, most likely you’ve already started to experience some of the aforementioned issues. Avoid waiting until the situation worsens and visit a dental office to get them replaced. If you’re looking for a more affordable solution, consult a dental specialist about repairing your prosthetic device, especially if your dentures are only mildly cracked or chipped.