When to Replace Your Dentures

Recognizing the Signs It’s Time for an Upgrade at Water Tower Dental Care

For many patients in Chicago, IL, and surrounding areas like Gold Coast, River North, and Streeterville, dentures are a vital tool for restoring confidence, function, and a complete smile. At Water Tower Dental Care, Dr. Daniel Aneszko approaches dentistry with a comprehensive, detailed focus, treating every patient as if they will be his patient for life. He understands that a well-fitting denture is essential for a stable bite, healthy jaw muscles, and beautiful aesthetics.

However, dentures—even the best-made ones—don’t last forever. Your mouth is constantly changing, meaning the appliance that fit perfectly a few years ago might be causing problems today. Recognizing the early signs that your dentures are failing or simply wearing out is the first step toward maintaining your oral health and preventing discomfort or functional issues. Don’t wait for pain to be your only indicator. If you have questions about the age or fit of your current dentures, call our dentist’s office in Chicago, IL office today at 312-787-2131 for a consultation.

1. Persistent Sore Spots and Discomfort

One of the clearest signals that your dentures need attention is the presence of chronic sore spots or tenderness on your gums. When dentures fit correctly, the pressure from chewing is distributed evenly across the soft tissues of your mouth.

Over time, the bone structure in your jaw naturally shrinks after tooth loss. This change causes the denture base to become loose and rub against your gums. These pressure points create painful sores that, if ignored, can lead to chronic inflammation and serious oral lesions. A new denture will be custom-fitted to the current contours of your mouth, eliminating these painful friction points and restoring comfortable function.

2. Noticeable Change in Fit

You shouldn’t need adhesive to keep your dentures secure. If you find yourself reaching for more and more denture adhesive, or if your appliance constantly slips, clicks, or moves when you talk, chew, or laugh, the fit is compromised.

This change in fit is due to that natural bone resorption we talked about, which alters the shape of your alveolar ridge. When dentures are loose, they dramatically reduce your ability to chew food efficiently, impacting your nutrition. They also cause those embarrassing clicking sounds during conversations. While relining or rebasing can sometimes temporarily improve the fit, a significant shift in stability usually warrants replacement to ensure maximum comfort and function.

3. Excessive Wear or Damage

Think about how often you use your teeth—every meal, every conversation, every day. Over years of use, the acrylic material and the artificial teeth on your dentures naturally wear down, just like the treads on a tire.

Signs of wear include:

• Flat Teeth: The chewing surfaces are noticeably flattened, reducing your ability to properly grind food.
• Cracks and Chips: Small fractures or chips in the acrylic base or the teeth themselves.
• Staining and Odor: Extensive staining that cannot be removed by cleaning, or a persistent bad odor, can indicate that the porous acrylic material has absorbed bacteria and degraded.

Damaged or worn dentures should always be addressed. Dr. Aneszko and his team can assess whether a repair or a complete replacement is the best solution for restoring the appliance to its full functional capacity.

4. Facial Shape Alterations

Your dentures are responsible for supporting the muscles and facial structures around your mouth, including your cheeks and lips. When dentures wear out or become ill-fitting, they fail to provide this necessary support, leading to visible changes in your facial appearance.

If your dentures are too worn or low, you may notice that your chin appears closer to your nose, your lips look thinner or sunken, or you develop deeper wrinkles around your mouth (known as “marionette lines”). A properly designed and fitted new denture will restore the correct vertical dimension of your bite, giving you a more youthful, supported, and balanced facial profile. If you’ve noticed these aesthetic changes, contact Water Tower Dental Care in Chicago by calling 312-787-2131 to discuss an upgrade.

5. Difficulty Speaking

A sudden or gradual decline in your ability to speak clearly can be a strong indication that your dentures need replacing. When dentures become loose or the biting surfaces are worn down, they interfere with the subtle movements of your tongue and lips required to form certain sounds (like “s” or “f” sounds).

You may notice a lisp, slurring, or simply feel that your tongue doesn’t have enough room to move properly. Because Dr. Aneszko focuses on the comprehensive biomechanics of the jaw and function, he ensures that new dentures are crafted with precise measurements to support accurate speech. A stable, correctly contoured denture allows for natural, clear communication.

6. Ten-Year Mark

While denture lifespan varies widely based on material quality and patient care, a general guideline is that most dentures need replacement every five to 10 years. Even if you don’t notice severe functional issues, the slow, imperceptible changes in your mouth often necessitate an upgrade by the ten-year mark.

Your jawbone is continually changing, and the acrylic base of the denture cannot adapt to this change. Replacing your dentures after this typical lifespan ensures that your new appliance is built to modern standards, uses high-quality materials, and is perfectly molded to your current oral anatomy, ensuring optimal long-term health and comfort. Regular check-ups with Water Tower Dental Care are the best way to monitor your dentures’ lifespan.

Your Solution for Comfort and Stability

Recognizing these signs is crucial for maintaining both your comfort and your oral health. Ignoring an ill-fitting or worn-out denture can lead to nutritional deficiencies, chronic pain, and advanced bone loss in the jaw. As a dedicated oral health partner in Chicago, Dr. Aneszko and the experienced team at Water Tower Dental Care are here to assess your current appliance and guide you through the process of obtaining new, high-quality, custom-fitted dentures.

We believe that your denture experience should be one of complete satisfaction and stability. If your current appliance is causing you pain, embarrassment, or functional difficulties, it is definitely time for a conversation. We offer accommodating, comprehensive, and state-of-the-art dentistry, ensuring your replacement dentures restore your full confidence and chewing power.

Ready to trade your old, worn dentures for a new smile that fits perfectly?

Call Water Tower Dental Care in Chicago, IL today: 312-787-2131.