6 Signs It’s Time To Get Replacement Snap-In Dentures
You regained confidence in your smile and strengthened your quality of life after receiving snap-in dental implants. But as time passes, something isn’t right with the dentures. They don’t feel comfortable and are impairing everyday activities.
There are six clear signs that it’s time to get replacement snap-in dentures. Continue reading about the warning signs and the potential risks at stake for your oral hygiene.
1. Loose Fit
When you first get snap-in dentures, they fit snugly. Health conditions and dental habits can cause them to feel wobbly and insecure.
Decreasing Bone Density
Over time, the bone structure in your jaw can undergo resorption, a process where the bone density decreases and the jawbone shrinks. This is particularly common in individuals who have lost natural teeth, as the absence of tooth roots can accelerate bone loss.
Receding Gums
Another reason for the loose denture fit is receding gums or gums changing shape. This commonly occurs due to aging, poor hygiene, and other health conditions.
Grinding Teeth
Habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth, known as bruxism, also contributes to this loosening effect. It places additional pressure on the dentures, causing a misalignment. The stress then loosens the attachment between the denture and implants and results in an unstable fit.
2. Visible Damage
Everyday eating habits can lead to chips, cracks, and worn-down materials. While minor damage may seem manageable initially, it can quickly escalate into more significant issues if left unaddressed.
For example, a small crack in your dentures may initially seem insignificant, but over time, it can expand and worsen, compromising the overall structure and effectiveness of the appliance. This can lead to a poor fit, causing discomfort and even affecting your ability to chew properly.
Additionally, chips in the dentures create sharp edges that may irritate or injure the sensitive tissues of your gums and mouth. These sharp edges can cause cuts or sores, leading to pain and potential infections.
3. Difficulty Chewing
Eating should be an enjoyable experience, not a strenuous task. The primary function of snap-in dentures is to make everyday tasks like eating effortless.
Difficulty chewing can result from several issues, including a poor fit, worn-out materials, or structural damage. If you find it increasingly challenging to eat, it’s a strong indicator that your dentures need replacement.
4. Struggling To Speak
A big reason why patients receive snap-in dentures is to support speech due to damaged or missing teeth. Speaking is a crucial part of your life. It’s time to reevaluate your dentures if you’re slurring words, mumbling, or needing to repeat yourself.
Damaged or worn-out dentures can create gaps or uneven surfaces that affect the way your tongue interacts with the roof of your mouth and teeth. For instance, the “s” and “th” sounds require precise tongue placement and airflow. These irregularities can alter the airflow and pressure needed to produce certain consonants and vowels, making it difficult to pronounce them correctly.
5. General Discomfort
Snap-in dentures improve your smile and quality of life. There’s no need to live in pain or discomfort with your dentures.
Poorly fitting or damaged dentures cause discomfort and soreness in your gums and oral tissues. This discomfort can make you hesitant to move your mouth naturally, further impacting your speech and ability to eat. You might find yourself speaking more cautiously and avoiding certain sounds and foods altogether to minimize pain.
6. Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque is a sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. It can adhere to the surfaces of dentures just like it does on natural teeth. If not cleaned regularly and adequately, plaque can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. This buildup can lead to several problems, including bad breath, gum inflammation, and even infections.
Snap-in dentures are in constant contact with your gums and remaining natural teeth. Consequently, the presence of plaque can facilitate the spread of bacteria, worsening gum disease and other oral health issues.
Risks of Waiting Too Long for Denture Replacements
Your oral health is immensely important. If the signs to get replacement snap-in dentures weren’t enough, here are some potential risks of prolonging a visit to the dentist.
Impact on the Gums
Dentures that repeatedly rub against sensitive gum tissue cause painful sores, inflammation, and infections. Over time, the sores can make it nearly impossible to wear dentures comfortably.
Impact on the Jawbone and Facial Structure
When dentures fit poorly or are damaged, they fail to provide the necessary support. This can accelerate bone resorption that alters the shape of your face and diminishes the structural integrity needed to support any type of dental prosthetic. Addressing denture issues promptly helps to maintain bone health and preserve the shape and function of your jaw.
Impact on Nutrition and Digestion
A broader health implication to consider is the effect of difficulty consuming food. Poor nutrition is a serious concern because you’re limiting food consumption or avoiding foods like fruits and vegetables.
Not to mention, you’re most likely not chewing your food completely before swallowing. Improper digestion leads to gastrointestinal issues, including indigestion, bloating, and nutritional deficiencies.
Impact on Your Mental Health
Constant discomfort, difficulty speaking, and trouble eating food don’t just take a toll on your body. It has an immense impact on your mental health. Persistent discomfort can lead to irritability and difficulty focusing on daily tasks, making even simple activities feel overwhelming. The mental strain may also impact sleep quality and diminish your overall health.
Schedule an Appointment With Woodstock Smiles Today
Snap-on denture implants are incredible when you care for them properly. Visit the dentist a minimum of once a year to evaluate the dentures and the implants. You should also maintain frequent checkups to uphold good oral hygiene.
If you don’t have a dentist or if you’re looking to improve your quality of oral care, Woodstock Smiles is the answer! We value our patients’ satisfaction and demonstrate how much we care through our precise and professional approach.
Contact Woodstock Smiles in Portland for a free consultation. We’ll help to improve your oral hygiene and revive those old, damaged dentures for a like-new smile.