Denture Dilemma: Do I Need New Teeth?

Tooth loss detracts from your daily quality of life because tasks that were once second nature, like eating, speaking, and smiling, suddenly become much more challenging. Fortunately, regardless of how many teeth you have remaining, your dentist can provide lifelike dentures to restore your grin’s appearance and functionality.

Although these prosthetics can last anywhere from 5 to 10+ years, depending on how well you care for them, they’ll likely need to be replaced at some point down the road. Continue reading to learn 3 indicators that let you know you need new dentures!

Sign #1: They Wiggle

Did you know that you lose jawbone density after adult teeth go missing? Your roots stimulate new bone growth in your jaw every time you bite down which keeps it active and healthy. Without them, your body reabsorbs up to 25% of the surrounding matter within the first year. Eventually, your jaw starts to thin, and your dentures become destabilized in your mouth.

Although adhesives can form a tighter bond to keep them in place, you should contact your dentist sooner rather than later for an appointment. They’ll examine your prosthetics to verify whether relining them can fix them for the time being or whether a replacement is required based on your condition.

Sign #2: You’re Slurring Words

You rely on placing your tongue against your new teeth in specific ways to communicate clearly. Forming different shapes and patterns ensures proper enunciation that allows you to be more easily understood. If you’ve developed a lisp or are slurring words, it could be because your dentures are loose.

Trying to speak while keeping them in place can overwork your tongue, TMJ (temporomandibular joints), or other supporting muscles in your mouth, which can lead to a stiff or locked jaw, so it’s important to address it sooner rather than later. Replacing your restoration with one that fits correctly fixes your pronunciation so you can speak as eloquently as ever.

Sign #3: They Look Worn

Today, dentures are made from comfortable materials that can be customized to look more lifelike than ever before. For example, the acrylic gum-colored base can be printed or carved to resemble the natural curves of your connective tissues. Plus, the pontics are typically made from resilient porcelain that reflects light like enamel and can be customized to be the same shade, shape, and size as your natural teeth.

If your teeth look more yellow or brown than pearly white or have developed chips or cracks, you might feel so self-conscious about how you look that you avoid spending time with others. Investing in new dentures can boost your appearance to improve your confidence.

If you notice these or other concerns with your dentures, it’s time to consult your dentist!

Meet the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner takes pride in providing a comprehensive menu of services to help people of all ages build their happiest, healthiest smiles. He earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and has completed additional specialty training in topics like sleep medicine, implant dentistry, and Invisalign. He takes the time to get to know your unique needs and goals, then utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate results intended to last, including dentures. If your restoration looks old or no longer fits, you can request an appointment on the website or call (410) 390-0277.