Dentures are very durable and should last for many years, but of course they're not actually indestructible. They can get damaged or simply suffer some wear over time, or you may need to have them refitted as your jaw shape changes with age. In these cases, a trip to a denture clinic can often be needed in order to fit you with new dentures or make repairs to your current set. Note when it might be time to visit the denture clinic to have your dentures examined for repair or refitting.

When a tooth gets chipped or cracked

If a tooth in the dentures gets chipped or cracked, don't assume you can simply live with this damage since the dentures probably still fit. That crack weakens the tooth itself so that it may actually break or split if you put too much pressure on the dentures during eating or when biting into anything. Your dentures may then need to be replaced altogether, whereas a crack or split usually means that the tooth can be repaired on its own. A chipped tooth can also cause cuts inside your mouth, increasing your risk of an oral infection.

When dentures remain uncomfortable or start to hurt

When you first get dentures, your jaw muscles need to adjust to holding them in place and having them in your mouth when you talk. This discomfort might last a few days or weeks; your dentist can tell you the time frame to expect with new dentures. However, if this discomfort persists, or if the dentures feel uncomfortable or start to hurt after you have them in place for some months or years, you want to have them checked. You may have been poorly fitted for dentures or may have developed a sensitivity to them, or there may be damage to the base that is causing pain along the gum line.

Along with pain or discomfort, you also want to visit a denture clinic if you notice that your gums seem to be red or a dark pink or inflamed in any way. This might mean that your dentures are irritating the gums, or you have an oral infection or other oral health concern. This might be caused by improper cleaning of the dentures or damage to the base, which might allow bacteria and food particles to collect. A dentist can examine your gums and the dentures and note if they're in poor condition and are causing this irritation of the gums.