Signs You Need New Dentures (And What to Do About It)

Is It Time for New Dentures?

Dentures don't last forever. Even the best-made dentures need replacing eventually. But how do you know when it's time? Here are the warning signs I see most often in my practice, and what you can do about them.

7 Warning Signs Your Dentures Need Attention

1. They're Slipping and Sliding

The Problem: Your dentures move when you eat, speak, or laugh. You find yourself using more and more adhesive, or avoiding certain foods entirely.

Why It Happens: Your jawbone naturally shrinks over time (a process called resorption). This happens faster in the first year after tooth loss, then continues gradually. Dentures that fit perfectly five years ago may now be loose.

What to Do:

• Minor slipping → Reline may help
• Significant movement → New dentures likely needed
• Consider implant-retained dentures for permanent stability

2. Sore Spots That Won't Heal

The Problem: Persistent red spots, ulcers, or sore areas on your gums. Pain when wearing your dentures.

Why It Happens: Ill-fitting dentures create pressure points. What starts as discomfort can become chronic irritation or infection.

What to Do:

• Stop wearing dentures if pain is severe
• See your prosthetist immediately
• May need adjustment, reline, or replacement
• Don't ignore this – chronic irritation has serious health implications

3. Visible Wear on the Teeth

The Problem: The teeth on your dentures are worn flat, chipped, or stained beyond what cleaning can fix.

Why It Happens: Acrylic teeth wear down over years of chewing. Some people grind their teeth (bruxism), which accelerates wear.

What to Do:

• Minor wear → Teeth can sometimes be replaced on existing denture
• Significant wear → New dentures recommended
• If you grind: discuss a night guard or consider harder tooth materials

4. Difficulty Eating Foods You Used to Enjoy

The Problem: Foods that were easy to chew—like steak, apples, or corn on the cob—are now difficult or impossible.

Why It Happens: As dentures wear and fit changes, chewing efficiency drops. You may unconsciously adapt by avoiding hard or chewy foods.

What to Do:

• Evaluate your diet honestly
• Well-fitting dentures should allow you to eat most foods
• Book an assessment to check fit and function

5. Your Face Looks Different

The Problem: Your face seems sunken, your lips fold inward, or you look older than you should.

Why It Happens: Dentures support your facial muscles. When fit deteriorates or teeth wear down, you lose that support. Bone loss also changes facial structure over time.

What to Do:

• New dentures with proper support can restore facial appearance
• Consider implant-retained dentures to slow bone loss
• Don't accept "looking old" as inevitable

6. Your Dentures Are Over 7-10 Years Old

The Problem: You've had the same dentures for a decade or more, even if they "still work."

Why It Happens: Materials degrade over time. Acrylic becomes porous, harbouring bacteria. Fit changes gradually, so you may not notice deterioration.

What to Do:

• Book a check-up even if dentures seem fine
• Compare current fit to a new impression
• Plan for replacement within budget

7. You've Lost or Gained Significant Weight

The Problem: After losing or gaining more than 10-15kg, your dentures fit differently.

Why It Happens: Weight changes affect the shape of your face and gums. Dramatic weight loss is especially common after getting dentures (due to improved eating) or during illness.

What to Do:

• Wait until weight stabilises if you're actively losing/gaining
• Once stable, get dentures relined or replaced

Should You Repair, Reline, or Replace?

Not every problem requires new dentures. Here's a quick guide:

When Repair Works

• Cracked denture base (if crack is small)
• Single broken tooth
• Loose clasps on partial dentures
• Same-day repairs often possible

When a Reline Helps

• Moderate looseness
• Dentures less than 5 years old
• No major wear on teeth
• Good overall condition of denture base

When Replacement Is Best

• Dentures over 7-10 years old
• Significant tooth wear
• Multiple repairs already done
• Major fit issues
• You want an upgrade in quality

The Danger of Ignoring Warning Signs

I've seen patients delay getting new dentures for years. Here's what can happen:

Health Risks:

• Chronic gum irritation (can lead to infections)
• Poor nutrition from limited diet
• Increased risk of oral diseases
• In rare cases, chronic irritation linked to oral cancer

Quality of Life:

• Social embarrassment
• Avoiding meals with others
• Speech difficulties
• Loss of confidence

Higher Costs:

• Emergency repairs
• More complex fitting if bone loss accelerates
• Potential need for implants that could have been avoided

What to Expect at a Denture Check-Up

When you visit me for an assessment, here's what happens:

1. Visual Examination

   • Condition of dentures
   • State of your gums and any remaining teeth
   • Signs of wear, damage, or poor fit

2. Fit Assessment

   • How dentures sit on your gums
   • Stability during movement
   • Bite alignment

3. Discussion

   • Your concerns and symptoms
   • How long you've had current dentures
   • What options are available

4. Honest Recommendation

   • Repair if that's genuinely sufficient
   • Reline if appropriate
   • Replacement if needed
   • Clear pricing for each option

I won't recommend new dentures if yours are fine. That's not how I build trust with patients.

How Often Should You Get Dentures Checked?

Even if your dentures seem fine, I recommend:

• Annual check-ups for most patients
• Every 6 months if you have diabetes, are on certain medications, or have had oral health issues
• Immediately if you notice any warning signs above

Book Your Denture Assessment

Not sure if your dentures need attention? Let me take a look. I consult at 15+ locations across Sydney, and I'll give you an honest assessment.

Book an Assessment →

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Worried about cost? I'll always tell you the minimum needed to solve the problem, not try to upsell you. Call me on 0420 550 249 if you'd like to chat first.