When to Replace Your Dentures: Key Signs It’s Time for an Upgrade
- michaelgrishindent
- May 27
- 5 min read
Dentures are an essential investment in oral health, function, and confidence. Over time, they wear down, lose their fit, and become less effective, making replacement necessary. At Grishin Denture Specialist, located in Spokane, WA, we help patients recognize the right time to replace their dentures and ensure they receive high-quality, custom-fitted replacements. Ignoring the signs of worn-out dentures can lead to discomfort, difficulty eating, and even long-term oral health problems.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
The average lifespan of dentures ranges between 5 to 10 years, depending on factors such as material quality, maintenance, and changes in the jaw structure. Acrylic dentures tend to last around 5 to 7 years, while premium options, like porcelain teeth, can last longer with proper care. However, even well-maintained dentures need replacement as the shape of the gums and jawbone naturally change over time.
Top Signs You Need to Replace Your Dentures
1. Poor Fit and Looseness
Dentures should fit snugly and comfortably. Over time, bone resorption occurs, causing the jawbone and gum tissue to shrink. This results in dentures feeling loose, slipping while eating or talking, or even falling out unexpectedly.
🔹 Symptoms of ill-fitting dentures:
• Frequent need for denture adhesive
• Difficulty speaking clearly
• Gum irritation or sore spots
• Slipping or clicking sounds while chewing
If dentures no longer fit properly, adjustments or replacements are necessary to prevent discomfort and further bone loss.
2. Difficulty Chewing and Eating
Chewing should feel natural and effortless with well-fitted dentures. Over time, worn-out dentures can develop flat chewing surfaces that reduce efficiency, making it harder to eat solid foods like steak, apples, or corn on the cob.
🔹 Warning signs of reduced chewing function:
• Struggling to bite or chew certain foods
• Avoiding hard or chewy foods
• Increased reliance on soft diets
• Experiencing pain or pressure while eating
Upgrading to new dentures with sharper chewing surfaces restores function and allows patients to enjoy a varied, healthy diet.
3. Cracks, Chips, or Visible Damage
Even high-quality dentures degrade over time. Acrylic and porcelain materials wear down with daily use, making them more susceptible to cracks, fractures, or chips. Damaged dentures can create sharp edges that irritate gums and make chewing difficult.
🔹 Signs of denture damage:
• Visible fractures or missing teeth
• Uneven wear on teeth
• Discoloration or staining that won’t clean off
• Small cracks that could lead to breakage
Minor repairs may extend the lifespan of dentures, but significant damage often requires full replacement.
4. Persistent Gum Irritation or Sores
Worn-out or poorly fitting dentures can lead to chronic gum irritation, inflammation, and even painful sores. Over time, friction between the dentures and soft tissue can cause redness, swelling, and ulcerations.
🔹 Common denture-related gum problems:
• Red, inflamed gum tissue
• Sores or blisters inside the mouth
• Constant irritation along the denture edges
• Increased risk of oral infections
If dentures consistently cause discomfort, it’s a strong indication that a replacement is needed.
5. Changes in Facial Appearance
Dentures play a crucial role in maintaining facial structure by supporting the cheeks and lips. As dentures wear out, they lose their shape, leading to sunken cheeks, wrinkles around the mouth, and an aged appearance. Bone loss in the jaw further accelerates these changes.
🔹 Signs of facial changes due to denture wear:
• Sagging skin around the mouth
• Increased wrinkles or folds around the lips
• A collapsed or shortened jawline
Replacing old dentures with a well-fitted set restores facial support, making patients look more youthful and natural.
6. Speech Difficulties
Dentures impact pronunciation and articulation. When they become loose or worn, they can cause speech problems, including slurred words, lisps, or excessive saliva production. Patients often find themselves constantly adjusting dentures while speaking, which can be frustrating and embarrassing.
🔹 Speech issues linked to worn dentures:
• Difficulty pronouncing certain words
• Clicking noises while talking
• Needing to reposition dentures frequently
• Excess saliva buildup
New, properly fitted dentures improve clarity and allow for effortless, confident
communication.
Denture Relining vs. Replacement: What’s the Right Choice?
When to Consider a Denture Reline
A denture reline can extend the life of a well-maintained denture by reshaping the interior surface to improve fit. Relining is ideal for patients experiencing minor gum changes but whose dentures are still in good condition.
✔ Recommended if dentures are slightly loose
✔ Ideal for small adjustments in fit
✔ More affordable than full replacement
When to Replace Dentures Completely
Full replacement is necessary when dentures have extensive wear, damage, or major fit issues that cannot be fixed with a simple reline. If dentures are more than 5 years old, replacement is often the best option for long-term comfort and function.
✔ Required if dentures are cracked, chipped, or stained
✔ Best for significant bone loss or major gum changes
✔ Ensures optimal function, comfort, and aesthetics
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dentures
Proper care helps dentures last longer and perform better. Follow these essential maintenance tips:
🔹 Daily Cleaning – Brush dentures with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleanser to remove food debris and plaque.
🔹 Soaking Overnight – Keep dentures in a denture solution or water to maintain their shape.
🔹 Avoid Hard Foods – Biting on hard objects (ice, nuts, or hard candy) can lead to cracks.
🔹 Regular Dental Checkups – Visit a specialized denturist like Denturist Michael Grishin for adjustments, relines, and professional cleaning.
Where to Get High-Quality Dentures in Spokane, WA
At Grishin Denture Specialist, we provide expert custom denture solutions for patients experiencing discomfort, poor fit, or worn-out dentures. We proudly serve Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake, offering:
✔ Full & Partial Dentures
✔ Denture Relines & Adjustments
✔ Premium-Quality Materials for Longer-Lasting Wear
✔ Personalized Fit for Comfort & Confidence
Conclusion
Dentures should typically be replaced every 5 to 10 years—but sooner if they become loose, damaged, or uncomfortable. Signs like difficulty chewing, speech issues, facial changes, or gum irritation often indicate that a replacement is needed. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we provide custom-fitted dentures in Spokane designed for long-term comfort, function, and natural aesthetics.
Whether you're new to dentures or have worn them for years, a proper fit is essential for comfort, chewing, and even gum enjoyment. We proudly serve Spokane and nearby communities including Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake.
If you're searching for a trusted denturist near me, Denturist Michael Grishin can assess your current dentures and recommend a replacement that restores your smile and quality of life.
Learn how to stop clicking noises from your dentures in this helpful blog: Eliminating Clicking Noises from Dentures.
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