Dentures are an investment in your smile. Dentures allow those with missing teeth a means to achieve a new and complete smile to offer them convenience and confidence as they go throughout their lives. While dentures are not a permanent solution to replace missing teeth, they do offer you the ability to recreate a smile that is complete and that you feel good about.
Most prosthodontists and dentists will tell you that dentures will last anywhere from five to ten years. This is generally a good estimate because after this time, dentures usually require significant repair or replacement. There are those who can get up to 30 years of wear out of the same set of dentures, but those wearers are few and far between! However, with proper oral care and proper care of your dentures, you can help them last as long as possible.
The number one cause for denture replacement after 5+ years is that the contour of the gum line changes over time. This is actually a natural part of the aging process, but when natural teeth are missing from the mouth, the gum line lacks the integral support that it needs. When the contour of the gum line changes, dentures do not fit properly inside of the mouth. Loose, ill-fitting dentures are not only a nuisance, but they also cause sores on the gums, which can lead to infection. Ill-fitting dentures can also pose choking hazards for patients if the dentures slip out of place and block the airway.
It is important for denture wearers to have their dentures checked at regular visits, typically twice a year as everyone should have bi-annual dental visits. Regular visits to your prosthodontist will allow for the fit of your dentures to be evaluated, for defects to be noticed as early as possible, and for intervention to be given quickly before irritation and problems occur.
While dentures are not considered to be a “permanent” solution for missing teeth, because many people wear dentures for 20+ years, these individuals often choose dentures as their permanent solution. They understand that they will have to make the investment in their smile again and again over time, but that this option is right for them.
Contact Georgia Denture & Implant Specialists today to learn about repair or replacement of your dentures. We are the experts, and we are here to help you.
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