You may be wondering when you need new dentures. The answer will depend on a variety of factors, including your age and how well you take care of your dentures.

However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to help you determine when it might be time for a new set.

If your dentures are older than five years, it might be time to replace them. Additionally, if they are loose or don’t fit properly anymore, giving your gums and mouth irritation, it may well be time to book new ones.

Of course, if your dentures no longer look like natural teeth or make you feel self-conscious about your smile, get in touch with us.

Why Do Dentures Need To Be Replaced?

Most people know that dentures need to be replaced every so often, but many don’t know why, dentures will inevitably wear out over time.

The acrylic, porcelain and metal materials used to make dentures eventually lose their shape and stop fitting properly in your mouth. Additionally, your jawbone and gum tissue may shrink over time due to the lack of stimulation from missing teeth.

This can cause a dramatic change in the shape of your mouth, making it difficult for old dentures to fit properly. Causing a variety of problems, including difficulty eating and speaking, jaw pain, and sores on your gums. Replacing dentures regularly may help to avoid these issues.

What Happens If You Don't Replace Your Dentures?

If you don’t replace your old dentures, you may also start to experience pain in your face, along with general discomfort. Some people have even experienced their dentures falling out while they are speaking or eating. This can have a serious impact on your quality of life, and you may struggle to bite and chew food, causing gum irritation, ulcers, sores and inflammation of the mouth, leading to even further discomfort.

Do I Have To Go To A Dentist To Get New Dentures?

If you need new dentures, it’s important to go and see your dentist. Dental professionals who specialise in protheses, are trained to fit and replace dentures, ensuring they look and feel like natural teeth.

If you try to fit or replace your own dentures, you may not get the results you want. You may end up with pain and gum damage, and if you have partial dentures, further tooth loss.

A dental protheses professional will make sure you are fitted with the right size and shape for your mouth.

How Often Should You Wear New Dentures?

It’s important to wear your replacement dentures as often as possible in order to get used to them. Most people find that they need to wear them for at least four hours a day during the first week, and then gradually increase the amount of time they wear them.

If you’re only going to be wearing them for a few hours a day, make sure that you take them out at night so that your gums can rest.

Do My Dentures Need Replacing Or Just Repairs?

In some cases, your dentures may only need repairs rather than a complete replacement. If you’re experiencing minor issues such as loose teeth or chipped enamel, it may be possible to repair the existing set rather than replacing them.

Remember, even though they’re artificial teeth, your new dentures won’t last forever – be sure to take time to give them proper care and they should serve you well for many years.

Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team at Smiles on Hobart today for more information about the different types of dentures we offer.