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Dentures are prosthetic devices used as replacements for missing teeth. They are supported by the surrounding tissues of the oral cavity, making them look like a real set of teeth. Most conventional dentures are removable, but some dentures clasp onto teeth or dental implants.
Many people, however, think that partial dentures are permanent and need not be replaced. They fail to realize that the dentures' life span merely ranges from five to ten years. As such, it helps to know when your partial denture is no longer suited for use, as it can have an impact on your facial features, comfort level, and oral health.
Below are the five reasons that indicate the right time to replace your partial dentures:
1. Damaged partial dentures
A denture replacement may be caused by many factors, such as how the facial muscles or jaw changes over time. In some cases, however, the denture needs to be replaced because of the prosthetic device itself. These dentures can get damaged, crooked, or chipped over time. If not these, they may also lose their natural appearance, texture, and coloration over an extended period. If the partial dentures are damaged, they ought to be replaced as they can lead to irritations, infections, bad odors, and taste in the mouth.
2. Oral infections
Many people who wear dentures are not aware of how their dentures can cause oral infections. This is because acrylic denture bases are porous and can attract bacteria over time. Individuals can have denture-induced stomatitis, which is a form of yeast infection. This condition can be characterized by redness and soreness in the mouth. Ill-fitting dentures can also cause the gums to swell, leading to oral infections.
3. Affected facial features
An ill-fitting denture can have a negative repercussion on the facial features. It can cause the jawbone to shrink rapidly. Also, bone loss in the jaw that shrinks with age can cause the lower part to be misaligned with the upper part. This can affect the facial muscles around the mouth, causing them to sag, resulting in an unpleasing look and appearance.
4. Poor nutrition
Denture problems can impact one's nutrition by hindering a person's eating ability. It can inhibit you from chewing food and getting nutrients essential to your health. As a result, it can lead to malnutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and a compromised immune system, all caused by a partial denture.
5. Other important considerations
There are other severe implications of the need for a denture replacement. Below are some of these:
- ENT pain and frequent headache
- Speech slur or problem
- Moving dentures when speaking or chewing
- Clicking, snapping or whistling sound
- Gum swelling in surrounding areas
A denture is meant to instill a person's sense of confidence and benefit a person's oral and general health. Because of this, your denture should look, function, and fit properly, so that you can make the most out of using it. When your partial denture starts deteriorating, causes oral infection, affects your facial appearance, and leads to poor nutrition, you will need to replace it immediately to mitigate further complications.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Ypsilanti, Michigan to help you replace your dentures, get in touch with us today for a free consultation!
