Older couple smiling with dentures

How Long Can I Wear My Old Dentures Before Getting New Ones?

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If your dentures still feel comfortable and look fine, it’s easy to assume they’re working just as well as the day you got them. But over time, even well-made dentures need to be replaced. So how long is too long—and what are the signs that it’s time for a new set?

The Usual Lifespan

Most dentures in Athens, TX last between five and seven years. During that time, your mouth continues to change. Bone can shrink, gum tissue may shift, and the fit of your dentures slowly becomes less secure. You might not notice it right away, but small changes can lead to sore spots, difficulty chewing, or changes in how you speak.

When Fit Starts To Fail

If your dentures slip more often, cause irritation, or require more adhesive than they used to, those are red flags. You may also notice that your bite feels different or that your face looks slightly sunken—both signs that your dentures are no longer supporting your facial structure as they should.

Regular Checkups Help You Stay Ahead

Even if your dentures feel fine, it’s smart to have them checked regularly. Your dentist can spot early signs of wear or changes in your mouth that you may not feel yet. A quick adjustment might buy you some time—but when the fit, function, or appearance starts to suffer, it’s time to consider a replacement.

Better Fit, Better Health

Worn or poorly fitting dentures can affect more than just comfort—they can impact nutrition, speech, and oral health. Getting a new set at the right time can restore function and improve your quality of life.

If it’s been several years since your last set, it may be time to talk with your dentist in Athens, TX. A better fit could make all the difference.

How to Maintain Your New Dentures

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Dentures can last for years, especially if you take good care of them. Your dentist in Athens, TX can help you take care of your dentures by giving you advice about denture care. In this article, we’ll go over some of the ways that you can take care of your new dentures. Here’s what you need to know.

Clean Dentures After Eating

Rinse your dentures after every meal. To do this, take your dentures out and rinse them in cool water. Do this after snacks as well.

Brush Dentures Daily Or More Often

Use denture cleanser and a soft bristle brush to take care of your dentures. Brush your dentures everyday at least once per day. Do not use denture cleanser to brush your mouth. If you use denture adhesives, be sure to remove the adhesive from your dentures. There may be adhesive in the grooves of the dentures.

Soak Dentures Overnight

Most dentures need to be soaked in water overnight. This gives your gums a break and helps your dentures stay soft and pliant. You can use plain water to soak your dentures, or denture soaking solution. Find out from your dentist if your dentures need to be soaked overnight.

Hold Dentures Over a Towel

If you take out your dentures, hold them over a towel. This way, if you drop your dentures, you’re less likely to break them.

See the Dentist Twice Annually

Even if you have no more natural teeth, it’s still important to see the dentist twice annually. Your dentist will check your dentures in Athens, TX, to ensure they’re still in good condition.

Do you need an appointment to see the dentist? Call today.

Dentures vs Dental Implants: A Look at the Pros and Cons

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Research shows that over 30 million people in the U.S. have lost all of their teeth, and millions more have lost at least some of their teeth. Luckily, when it comes to smile restoration, you do have options. Two of the most popular ways to restore a smile are through dental implants or dentures in Athens. Take a look at the pros and cons of each method.

Dentures

Dentures are a prosthesis created to resemble the appearance of natural gums and teeth. Dentures can be either full to replace all of the teeth on the upper or lower jaw, or they can be partial, which means they fit around existing teeth to close gaps.

Pros

  • Quick process; usually takes only a few appointments
  • Affordable option; cost between $1000 to $15,000
  • Restores some chewing power, speech, and aesthetics

Cons

  • Can be hard to fit for patients with little bone height
  • Usually have to be replaced after several years of use
  • May shift slightly and require some adjustment when speaking or chewing

Dental Implants

Dental implants have been performed since the 1960s. These implants go directly into the jaw bone to create a permanent fixture that gets topped with a crown. Dental implants can be singular to support only one tooth, but they can also support bridges or groups of teeth.

Pros

  • Creates a permanent tooth replacement that likely won’t have to be replaced
  • Fully restores chewing power after proper healing
  • Most resemblant to natural teeth

Cons

  • Requires more time for the complete procedure; involves three to six months of healing after surgery
  • More expensive option; may be $1,000 per implant or more
  • Not a good option for patients with conditions that affect healing

Work with an Athens Dentist to Restore Your Smile

Ready to begin your smile restoration journey? Whether you are interested in dental implants or dentures, we are the Athens dental practice that can help you out. Reach out to us at Athens Dental to schedule your appointment today.