I’m willing to bet that many people have a favorite pair of shoes – worn, comfortable, familiar. But what if those shoes start causing more harm than good? The same can be true for dentures, especially when we cling to them long after they’ve overstayed their welcome. In my years as a dentist, I’ve seen countless patients holding onto ill-fitting dentures. Often, the only reason they were I my office at all is that they were brought in by concerned family members who noticed that their dentures looked more like dancing puppets than teeth.
Holding on to dentures for too long is like driving a car with bald tires. You might convince yourself it’s okay, but the risks lurk beneath the surface. Over time, dentures lose their fit as bone recedes, causing instability and potentially painful sores. And let’s not forget the impact on digestion and even your appearance. That sunken profile you’ve gotten used to? A new, properly fitted denture can restore it, sometimes even shaving years off your look.
The American Dental Association recommends a refresh about every five years. That could be a reline or a remake, to keep your dentures in harmony with your changing mouth. Some scoff at that, claiming their ten-year-old choppers are doing just fine. But here’s the secret: small, incremental changes are much easier to swallow than a giant leap many years down the line. When you update regularly, the transition is seamless, like slipping into a well-worn but freshly polished pair of shoes. When you wait fifteen, twenty, or twenty five years before replacing dentures, getting use to the new set can seem impossible.
Implants offer a revolutionary option for some, anchoring dentures like sturdy roots. But not everyone can or wants to go that route. For them, the choice boils down to two paths: hold on to the familiar, wobbly comfort, or take a leap of faith with new dentures.
Today, I wear a different hat. Experience has taught me to read the situation, to gauge whether my efforts will truly benefit the patient. If stubbornness trumps logic, it might be time to let go of the case, especially if it doesn’t appear that any help will be well received. But for those open to rediscovering the joys of proper fit, improved digestion, and a revitalized smile, I am ready to guide them on that journey.
Holding onto old dentures, like those worn-out shoes, can be tempting. But remember, comfort shouldn’t come at the cost of your health and well-being. Talk to your dentist, explore your options, and embrace the possibility of a brighter, healthier smile. After all, sometimes, letting go is the best way to move forward.
