In a recent study, only 5% of respondents claimed to be completely satisfied with their current dental prostheses. If your dentures are not meeting your expectations when it comes to appearance, fit or comfort, you're not alone.

Since nearly half of all dentures are more than 10 years old according to the same study, it's no wonder many people are unhappy. Physical changes such as weight gain, weight loss and bone loss underneath the gums can significantly affect fit. Older denture materials are also less stain resistant, and they may be harder to keep clean.

Here are some things to keep in mind when considering new dentures:

Old dentures can be hazardous to your health.

As this video explains, a recent study found a link between mouth irritants and oral cancer. People with dentures often develop cancer on the edge of the tongue where it rubs on dentures. Ill-fitting dentures, implants and sharp natural teeth are all culprits that can lead to cancer.

A separate study has determined that seniors who wear their dentures to bed are at an increased risk of developing pneumonia. If you wear old dentures to bed to save on adhesive or if you have dentures that irritate your mouth, you are putting your overall health at risk.

There are many more options in dentures today.

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way since George Washington had to use ivory teeth in his denture set. You can still get traditional dentures if you like, but there are now more realistic gum materials and sturdier tooth seals to give you an even brighter smile.

There are also overdentures that are like an implant hybrid. They attach to metal fasteners implanted in the gum line. These are a great choice for anyone at risk of suffering bone loss in the jawline. For some reason, bone loss is reduced around the site of these implants. The implants even come in a new pink color if you like.

Have a conversation about your options.

Talk with your cosmetic dentistry office today to find out about the many new procedures and options they provide when designing your new dentures. Don't be afraid to discuss problems such as tooth position, chewing difficulty, pain, impacted food or other issues with your dentist.

Solving these issues will be the dentist's focus, but only if you communicate what you're hoping to change with a new partial or full denture set.

Your total health can be impacted by what's happening in your mouth, so change those dentures if they are causing you pain or affecting your ability to eat and drink. If you have other questions, contact a professional such as James Tritton DDS PC with any questions you have.