10 Sep Telltale Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Dentures or Dental Bridge
Dentures and bridges help you to eat and speak with confidence, but they also do a lot more! They restore your appealing smile, which helps strengthen social relationships and improve overall wellness.
However, dentures and bridges don’t last forever. Even the most durable materials will show signs of wear after a significant amount of time. Changes in your mouth can affect fit and function as well. Here’s how to tell if it’s time for new ones.
When to Replace Dentures and Dental Bridges
Dental bridges and dentures will usually last around ten years, depending on the type of material used and the state of your oral health. For instance, changes in your bite, loss of jawbone density, or poor gum health can mean you need replacements sooner.
If you take good care of your teeth, they could last longer. But even the strongest materials will get worn down and weakened over time. When you know the signs to look for, you can act quickly and keep minor problems from becoming serious ones.
5 Signs You Need New Dentures or a New Bridge
Here are the five biggest red flags that you need new dentures or bridges:
- Inflamed, irritated, or sore gums that don’t get better
- Loose dentures or bridges
- Visible chips, cracks or other damage
- Problems chewing normally or speaking clearly
- Changes in appearance like sunken cheeks
Periodic visits to your dentist are the only way to correct any problems with the function or fit of your dentures or bridges. Your dentist can spot signs of wear before they cause discomfort or further damage, so don’t skip those checkups!
How to Know If Your Dentures Are Worn Out
- Cleaning your dentures is a great time to give them a closer look. Inspect them daily for signs of wear and tear, plaque buildup, or discoloration.
- If you need to use more adhesive than usual or apply it more often, that is also a sign of wear.
- If they irritate your gums or don’t fit correctly, it’s probably time for a new set.
- If your dentures start to affect your ability to talk or chew, taking prompt action is crucial so the problem doesn’t get worse.
- Changes in face shape, like sunken cheeks, could also be a sign that it’s time for new dentures.
Letting problems with your dentures go untreated for too long could lead to additional concerns like bite problems, inflammation, malnutrition, or infections. If your dentures are irritating your mouth in any way, contact your dentist to schedule a checkup.
How to Tell If a Dental Bridge Is Worn Out
- It’s harder to tell if a dental bridge is damaged, because it’s fixed in your mouth. But if you see any visible cracks or dark discoloration on the supporting teeth, make a dentist appointment.
- If your bridge feels loose, or if the gums around the bridge are red and sensitive, you should see a dentist.
- Pain when biting or chewing is another red flag. There could be decay underneath the restoration that needs to be treated.
Getting New Dentures or Bridges Will Improve Your Oral Health
Are you ready for an upgrade? Getting your old dentures or bridges replaced is an ideal opportunity to enjoy new technical advancements. With better materials and a custom fit you can experience more comfortable wear, improved durability, and a more natural appearance.
Dentures and dental bridges won’t last forever, but with proper care and regular checkups, you can avoid the problems caused by years of wear. Schedule your appointment with Saba and Chiappetti Dental Associates today and get the attentive care you deserve.
Photo by Junior REIS on Unsplash, used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 9/15/2025.