5 Signs It’s Time for New Dentures
Dentures play an important role in your comfort, confidence and ability to eat and speak well. But just like natural teeth, dentures can wear, and the shape of your mouth can change..
One of the questions I’m often asked at All Smiles Denture Clinic is, “How do I know when I need new dentures?”
There isn't one exact replacement timeframe that applies to everyone. Instead, I look at how your dentures fit, their condition, whether they're causing discomfort and whether you're still able to eat and speak comfortably.
I’m Darius Northey, Dental Prosthetist at All Smiles Denture Clinic, and these are five signs I recommend watching for.
5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Dentures
Sign 1: Your Dentures Are Causing Sore Gums
Dentures should feel comfortable when fitted correctly. If you've started noticing sore gums from your dentures, recurring tenderness or pressure points, something may have changed.
Your mouth can change over time, which can affect how your dentures fit. A denture that once fitted comfortably may begin rubbing or placing extra pressure on certain areas.
Sore gums don't automatically mean you need new dentures. Sometimes an adjustment or denture reline can improve the fit.
However, persistent soreness is worth having checked rather than simply putting up with it.
Sign 2: Your Dentures Feel Loose or Irritate Your Mouth
If your dentures are slipping while you're talking or eating, or you're constantly repositioning them, I recommend having the fit assessed.
Changes to your gums and supporting tissues can make dentures feel looser over time. You can learn more about this in our guide to why dentures become loose.
Can Dentures Cause Mouth Sores or Ulcers?
Yes. Dentures that rub or place pressure on an area can contribute to mouth sores. An ulcer that lasts longer than two weeks or keeps returning should be checked by a dentist or doctor, even if you think your denture caused it.
If you're repeatedly getting a sore in the same place, don't ignore it or simply stop wearing your dentures. Have the area and your dentures checked to find out what's causing the problem.
Healthdirect recommends seeing a dentist or dental prosthetist if dentures cause soreness, bleeding, swelling or ulcers.
Sign 3: Your Denture Teeth Are Worn
Just like natural teeth, denture teeth gradually wear with use.
You may notice the teeth looking flatter or chewing becoming more difficult. Wear can also change how your upper and lower denture teeth meet.
This is something patients don't always notice because it happens gradually.
When I check older dentures, I don't just look at whether they're still intact. I also look at how worn the teeth are, how they meet when you bite and whether the dentures are still working properly when you eat.
If your dentures are heavily worn, replacement may be worth considering.
Sign 4: Your Dentures Are Cracked or Damaged
Cracks, chips or fractures are another sign that your dentures need attention.
A denture can be damaged by being dropped onto a hard surface, but cracks can also develop as dentures age and wear.
If you notice a crack, don't wait for the denture to break completely and don't try to permanently repair it with household glue.
Depending on the damage and condition of the denture, it may be professionally repaired. You can read more about denture repairs on the Sunshine Coast.
If the denture is also old, worn or poorly fitting, we may instead discuss whether replacing it makes more sense.
Sign 5: Your Dentures Are Limiting What You Eat or How You Speak
This is one of the most useful signs to pay attention to.
Are you avoiding foods you used to enjoy because your dentures move or hurt when you chew? Are you chewing mainly on one side? Have you noticed your dentures moving when you speak?
Your dentures should help you eat and speak comfortably, not make you constantly think about what you can and can't do.
If your dentures are starting to affect everyday activities, I'd recommend having them assessed.
How Often Should You Replace Your Dentures?
I don't recommend deciding you need new dentures based on age alone.
Everyone's mouth is different, and dentures wear at different rates. What matters is how they fit, their condition and how well they're functioning.
Signs that it's worth having your dentures assessed include:
Persistent sore gums or pressure points
Loose or moving dentures
Recurring mouth sores
Worn denture teeth
Cracks or other damage
Difficulty chewing
Changes in your bite or speech
Sometimes we can improve an existing denture. Other times, new dentures will provide a better long-term solution.
How Often Should I Get My Dentures Checked?
Don't wait until your dentures break or become painful.
Healthdirect recommends seeing your dentist or dental prosthetist at least yearly after you've adjusted to your dentures to check that they're still fitting correctly.
I also recommend coming in sooner if your dentures become loose, uncomfortable or damaged, or if you notice persistent changes in your mouth.
Repair, Reline or Replace?
Not every problem means you need completely new dentures.
Adjustment: Can relieve pressure points and improve comfort.
Repair: Can fix certain cracks, breaks or damage.
Reline: Changes the fitting surface to improve how an existing denture fits.*
Replacement: May be better when dentures are significantly worn, damaged, poorly fitting or no longer working properly.*
When I assess your dentures, I'll look at their fit, condition and how comfortably you can eat and speak before recommending the most suitable option.
Not Sure If You Need New Dentures?
If your dentures are sore, loose, worn or damaged, you don't need to decide for yourself whether they should be repaired, relined or replaced.
At All Smiles Denture Clinic, I can check how your dentures fit, assess their condition and explain the options available to you.
Sometimes a small adjustment is all that's needed. Sometimes a repair or reline is appropriate. And when an existing denture is no longer fitting or functioning well, we can discuss new dentures on the Sunshine Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Having Sore Gums Mean I Need New Dentures?
Not necessarily. Sore gums can be caused by rubbing, pressure points or changes in the fit of your dentures.
An adjustment or reline may be enough. If your dentures are also loose, heavily worn or damaged, replacement may be worth considering.
Do Loose Dentures Always Need Replacing?
No. Depending on their condition, loose dentures may be improved with an adjustment or reline.
If they're badly worn, damaged or no longer comfortable for eating and speaking, new dentures may be the better option.
Can Dentures Cause Mouth Ulcers?
Poorly fitting or moving dentures can rub against your mouth and contribute to sore spots or ulcers.
If an ulcer lasts longer than two weeks or keeps coming back, I recommend having it checked by a doctor or dentist.
What Happens If I Don't Replace Old Dentures?
The issue isn't simply that dentures are “old”. What matters is their condition and fit.
Worn or poorly fitting dentures may become uncomfortable, move while you're eating or speaking, develop damage or make chewing more difficult. Have them assessed rather than deciding based on age alone.
How Can I Make My Dentures Last Longer?
Good daily care can help keep your dentures clean and in good condition. Remove and clean them regularly, handle them carefully and have problems checked before they become worse.
For practical advice, see our denture care and maintenance tips.