Even with so many options available, dentures in Delray Beach remain in demand. Although dentures last an average of seven to ten years, people often need new prosthetics sooner than expected because of broken or damaged dentures. What factors can prematurely destroy your dentures?
What Are Dentures?
A denture is a dental prosthetic device designed to replace missing teeth. Dentures are classified into two types: complete and partial. Complete dentures are recommended for people who have lost all their permanent teeth, while partial dentures are for those who still have natural teeth remaining.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are further categorized into conventional and immediate. A conventional denture is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has started to heal. Typically, you can wear dentures eight to twelve weeks after having your teeth removed.
Meanwhile, immediate dentures are fabricated in advance. They are placed in your mouth as soon as your teeth are removed, which means you won’t be without teeth while your gums are healing.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture consists of removable artificial teeth anchored to a pink-colored base connected by a metal scaffold that holds the device securely in your mouth.
Signs Your Dentures Need Repair or Replacement
Dentures are not designed to last forever, and their condition can deteriorate over time. Recognizing when to repair or replace your dentures is essential to maintaining your oral health and comfort. Here are some signs to watch for:
Cracks, Chips, or Breaks
Visible damage, such as cracks or chips, can compromise the functionality and appearance of your dentures. While minor repairs can sometimes restore them, significant damage may require a replacement.
Discomfort or Irritation
If your dentures cause pain, sores, or irritation, it’s a sign they no longer fit properly. This could be due to changes in your gum and jaw structure, which naturally occur over time.
Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
Struggling with everyday tasks like eating or speaking may indicate your dentures are worn down or misaligned. Properly fitting dentures should function seamlessly.
Loose or Ill-Fitting Dentures
Dentures that frequently slip out of place or feel loose can cause embarrassment and discomfort. Regular adjustments by your dentist can often fix this issue, but if the dentures are old, it may be time for a new set.
Persistent Bad Breath or Stains
Over time, microabrasions on the denture surface can trap bacteria and food particles, leading to persistent odors or stains that cleaning cannot resolve.
What Factors Shorten the Lifespan of Your Dentures?
While dentures don’t last forever, several habits may cause them to need replacement prematurely. Below are some of the factors that can shorten the lifespan of your dentures:
Attempting DIY Repairs
After watching YouTube tutorial videos, you’ve successfully fixed appliances, and now you’re confident you can repair dentures yourself. However, if you attempt a DIY approach, you will likely have to replace your dentures sooner.
You may think you’re saving money, but it will cost you more because your dentist is the only person authorized to fix dentures safely. You should leave adjustments and repairs to professionals.
Leaving Your Dentures Out to Dry
Did you know dentures are meant to be kept moist at all times? When you leave your denture out to dry, the material will become rigid and brittle, making it more susceptible to splitting or cracking. If that happens, you’ll have no choice but to get a new set.
Another problem with dried-out dentures is they warp and lose shape, making them uncomfortable to wear. To keep your dentures in excellent condition, ensure you submerge them in a glass filled with denture solution to lock in the moisture when you’re not using them.
Using Toothpaste to Clean Dentures
Brushing your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste may seem logical, but if you do that, you’ll run the risk of scratching your dentures. While it’s ideal to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, ordinary toothpaste brands are not acceptable, as they contain abrasive ingredients that can result in microabrasions.
As you know, microabrasions can make it difficult to keep your dentures clean in the future. To be safe, ask your dentist about cleaning products intended for denture care.
Experimenting with Household Cleaners
Denture wearers place a high priority on keeping their dental prosthetic devices clean because it’s one of the ways to prolong their lifespan. Who wouldn’t make the most of their investment, right? Although the intention is good, people sometimes unintentionally use risky methods to clean dentures.
One example is experimenting with household cleaners. Just because you saw it on Pinterest or watched vloggers do it doesn’t mean it’s safe. Did you know that people who attempted to use bleach to clean their dentures ended up discoloring the gum base?
Remember that household cleaners are not designed for denture cleaning as they contain harsh and damaging chemicals. Again, we recommend consulting your dentist about proper denture care.
You Don’t Practice Good Dental Hygiene
Are you aware that even if you clean your dentures diligently and don’t practice good dental hygiene, you can allow plaque and bacteria to build up?
When that happens, you could develop denture stomatitis. Denture stomatitis is a condition linked to a yeast infection wherein the area under the denture becomes swollen, sore, and red. Without treatment, it can result in poorly fitting dentures in the long run.
The Impact of Poor Denture Care on Oral Health
Neglecting your dentures can have serious consequences not just for the dentures themselves but also for your overall oral health. Below are some of the potential issues caused by poor denture care:
- Gum irritation and infections: Food particles and plaque that accumulate on unclean dentures can irritate your gums, increasing the risk of infections.
- Jawbone loss: Ill-fitting dentures that are not repaired or replaced in a timely manner can put uneven pressure on your gums and jawbone, accelerating bone resorption.
- Difficulty eating and speaking: When dentures are improperly cared for, they may lose their shape or become misaligned, making it harder to chew food properly and speak clearly.
- Increased risk of systemic health issues: Poor denture care can allow bacteria to proliferate in the mouth. These bacteria may enter your bloodstream and contribute to systemic health problems like cardiovascular disease or respiratory infections.
Are You Taking Care of Your Dentures in Delray Beach Well?
If you want your denture to last a long time, we recommend taking good care of it. At Friedman Dental Group, we can help you with denture care. We not only provide excellent quality dental service, but we also offer patient education so you can properly maintain your dental prostheses at home.
Contact us to learn more or if you wish to book a consultation with our expert team.