Denture Up Keep
Many people believe that dentures can or should last forever! How often have we heard that patients have had their set of dentures for 30 years? It is recommended that Dentures should be replaced every five years. Wearing dentures for more than five years without having them checked could be harmful to your health. Parada Dentures recommends that you complete an annual examination to ensure the proper fit and function of your dentures. We complete annual examinations for our patients at no charge.
A consultation with your denturist to have your dentures checked and cleaned could prevent problems in the future.
INDICATIONS YOU SHOULD RECOGNIZE
Your face, jaw and tissues change over the years, but your prosthesis does not. Your dentures are made of a stable and rigid material and cannot adapt to changes in your gums. Here are some of the signs indicating that your prosthesis should be checked:
- sore and irritated tissues
- problems with chewing certain foods, indigestion problems
- thinning lips, sagging mouth, a change in facial features
- loose, falling out when speaking or laughing
- has discolored or has an odor
- softening of the tissues
- headaches, neck, or ear pain
- bone (ridge) loss
- your partial is kept in your pocket most of the time
These changes happen gradually and are mostly imperceptible to you. Your appearance and comfort are compromised the longer you delay replacing your prosthesis.
Your denturist is the most qualified person to tell you when a denture needs replacing.
When was the last time you saw your denturist?
Denture Repairs
Dentures are made of acrylic, sometimes issues may arise where a repair to your dentures are required. Repairs may be required to your denture if your denture has a hairline fracture, the teeth are worn or your dentures fit poorly or simply a tooth addition may be required. Denture repairs can be done same day, so you don’t have to be without your teeth for long.
Denture Relines
This consists of adding new base material to the tissue bearing surface of the denture so that the fit of the denture is more precise and comfortable in your mouth. In most cases, relines can be completed same day. In the case of an immediate denture when you are experiencing issues with the fit of the denture due to gum shrinkage following your extractions a temporary material called a tissue conditioner will be applied to your denture. This material is temporary only and should only be worn in your dentures until you reach the approximately 8 to 12 months following your extraction time frame when your denture reline can be completed.
Denture Rebases
This procedure includes the replacement of the entire pink portion of the denture except for the teeth. Rebases are generally completed when the teeth are still in good condition but the body of the denture contains stains, holes or discoloration or the patient would like a newer looking denture without having to replace their entire denture. In most cases, this procedure can be completed same day.