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WHEN IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR DENTURES?
Deciding when to replace your old dentures with
a brand new set can be a daunting decision when you factor in the cost and time required for fitting appointments and adjustments. Dr. Eugene Bojé (BchD, MSc & full BACD Member) gives you some helpful advice to help you decide when the right time is to make that decision.
Setting aside the recommended replacement
time of 4-8 years, there are other factors to be considered.
LOOSE DENTURES Do you find that you are becoming increasingly
embarrassed or conscious when eating in company, or that you can no longer eat some of the foods you once could? Over time following tooth loss, the jawbone changes shape, receding in size and soft tissues also alter. This can cause uncomfortable mouth ulcers and sore spots as dentures become loose. This makes them unstable and harder to control how and what you can eat. You may also have ‘lost vertical dimension’. This is where the nose and chin get drawn closer together as the jawbone changes in shape, giving a sunken, hollow and aged look, particularly around the mouth. New dentures straighten and lengthen the look of your face, giving a more youthful look.
IMPLANT DENTURES To make your dentures even more stable, you may
decide to opt for implant dentures. These are held firmly in place by up to four titanium screws which are placed into the jawbone, acting as anchors to secure your dentures. With this option, there is no need for adhesives or anxious concerns at denture movement or loss of control like with the more traditional removable kind. Your facial structure is also less likely to change because your body perceives
the implants as its own and so the bone supporting the titanium won’t shrink as it would without implants being present. Reduced bone loss and associated gum shrinkage means that implant dentures last much longer before needing to be replaced.
GOING DENTURE-LESS If you have a denture with only a few teeth attached
to it then you may be able to get rid of your removable plate completely, by having it replaced with a fixed option. Titanium dental implants or sticky bridges may be a viable route to take and worth discussing with your dentist. Imagine not having a denture at all!
GET TING USED TO NEW DENTURES As with anything new, there is a period of
adjustment and ‘getting used to’. Your new denture will feel like a foreign object in your mouth and may feel a little embarrassing as your learn how to speak and eat naturally again. There could also be some initial discomfort or slurred speech or you may experience the strange sensation of your lips and cheeks feeling fuller. Be patient with yourself and give yourself time. Start by learning to chew soft foods and gradually build up to introducing other textures and make sure you chew on both sides of your mouth to help stabilise your new teeth. Your dentist is always at hand to offer you any advice, reassurance or necessary adjustments. You will be feeling comfortable with your new teeth before you know it!
If you recognise any of these signs and think
that it’s time to replace your old dentures, book an appointment with your dentist to find out your options. There is no need to let anything hold you back from being confident in your look, smile and ability to eat all of your favourite foods once more!
www.euniquedental.co.uk
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