5 Long-term Challenges of Wearing Dentures

Deciding on a method of tooth replacement is a big decision, so you want to be informed about what to expect if you choose dentures. We discussed problems you might experience in the first days or weeks of wearing dentures in our last blog, 5 Tips for Overcoming the Challenges of New Dentures.

While the difficulties of adjusting to dentures are easy to manage, there are problems that need to be dealt with over the life of your dentures.

5 Long-term Difficulties with Wearing Dentures

1) Cleaning

Dentures need to be removed for regular cleaning. If they aren’t cleaned properly, you can develop fungal infections like thrush or inflammation like denture-induced stomatitis. Improperly cleaned dentures can also cause embarrassing bad breath. It’s important to remember that you need to clean the surfaces and spaces between the teeth in your dentures before soaking them.

2) Bone Loss

Dentures do not have tooth roots to stimulate bone growth, which will cause your jawbone to shrink over time. Bone loss creates a more aged look as the lips and cheeks shrink and the lower part of the face shortens. Loss of bone also makes your jaw weaker.

3) Loose Fit

Over time, your gums may shrink, causing your dentures to loosen. As they loosen, they rub against your gums and cause irritation. Rinsing your mouth in salt water can help calm the irritation. Your dentures can be kept in place with adhesives, but they will need to be relined regularly for a proper fit.

4) Loss of Bite Force

Because your dentures are loosely attached to your jaws, you lose strength in your bite. When you chew, your food may not be broken down enough before you swallow. Improperly chewed food can cause digestive problems like acid reflux, gas, and bloating.

5) Damage to Surrounding Teeth

To keep any teeth or gums covered by the denture from decaying or becoming infected, oral hygiene is important for the entire mouth. Small particles of food can become trapped under the denture, generating bacterial growth. When partial dentures are attached to adjacent natural teeth, they may also cause these teeth to become loose.

An Alternative to Removable Dentures

While dentures are preferable to living with tooth loss, they have their limitations, many of which come from the fact that they are not permanently attached to your jaw. When dentures slip, they make eating and speaking more difficult, which could lead to health problems and awkwardness in social situations.

Thanks to dental implant technology, you can overcome the difficulties of wearing removable dentures. A full row of replacement teeth can be permanently anchored to your jaw with only 4 dental implants. Permanent implant-supported dentures provide the advantages of dental implants without the need to replace every missing tooth with an implant.

Permanent implant-supported dentures can be cleaned just like natural teeth. They never need to be removed and stay firmly in place so you can chew your food thoroughly. Better yet, the implants simulate the natural tooth’s root, which encourages bone growth that keeps you looking youthful. Take a look at our guide for more details on dental implants.

If you need help choosing the right option for tooth replacement, consult the experts at Cumberland Surgical Arts.