How Long Do Dentures Last?
Think about the punishment that dentures take. They are subjected to the force of your jaw muscles, some of the strongest muscles in the human body. Dentures are used to chew and grind foods of varying hardness. Dentures are also exposed to chemicals that can stain or could be considered corrosive (did you know Coca-Cola is highly acidic?). Despite all this abuse, dentures can last a very long time. But how long do they last?
Knowing how long do dentures last and how to extend their life
We often get asked how long do dentures last? Well, not all dentures are created equally. There are different kinds of dentures, and as you would expect the different denture types have different expected life spans. We put together this article to answer the question as to how long do dentures last and to help you get the most out of your dentures. Let’s get started by going over the different variations available.
Partial dentures
A set of partial dentures are usually used when a person only has some missing teeth. But partial dentures can also be used when a person cannot have full dentures due to medical or financial reasons. They restore the chewing ability, speech, and the aesthetics caused by missing teeth. A set of partial dentures will usually last around 10 to 15 years.
Full dentures
Full dentures are what most people imagine when they think of dentures. They are a complete set of false teeth and they help restore the chewing function of the mouth and they are used to improve aesthetics of missing teeth. Because full dentures contain more teeth, they are more complex than partial dentures, so it’s easier for them to wear out. Full dentures will generally last between 5 to 10 years.
When do dentures need to be modified or replaced?
Here at the Pearl Denture Studio denture clinic, we have heard stories of dentures lasting up to 30 years. Maybe you have heard similar stories. We cannot stress enough that this is the exception, not the rule. It is very rare for an individual to wear dentures for that long. So how do you know when you need to have some work performed on your dentures or when it’s time to replace your dentures? Here are some of the signs.
The denture material is chipped or broken
The most obvious sign that you need some work done on your dentures is if they break. Even damage as small as a chip can affect the performance of your dentures. If someone chips their real tooth, they will certainly go see a dental prosthetist. Treat your dentures like real teeth – go see the dental prosthetist if your dentures get damaged.
The dentures don’t fit like they used to
If your dentures become uncomfortable or don’t fit like they used to that is a signal that something is wrong. It could be a sign that your gums have changed due to gum recession. Periodontal diseases can also cause changes in the gums or jawbone that can affect the way dentures fit. So, if your dentures don’t fit right, have them checked out.
What to do to make your dentures last longer
To make your dentures last longer, treat them the same as you would real teeth. Of course, care for dentures will be different because you remove them from your mouth, but the basic care idea is the same as real teeth. You should do the following:
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash every time you remove your dentures
- Brush your dentures with a gentle toothbrush
- Soak your dentures at night in denture cleaner
- Keep your mouth clean and maintain good oral hygiene
What can be done if the dentures don’t fit well?
If you’re having problem with your dentures fitting, there are options you can explore with your dental prosthetist. A popular option is a denture reline. When a person loses their teeth, their jawbone and gums begin to change and usually shrink. This will cause dentures to fit incorrectly and to wobble. A denture reline is a method of adding additional material to the part of the denture that comes in contact with the gums in order to make the dentures fit more snugly. It’s something that you might want to talk about with your dental prosthetist if you are having fitting problems.
Work with your dental prosthetist
The key takeaway from this article is that if something is wrong, such as a chip in your dentures or a wobbly fit, contact your dental prosthetist. If you’d like to talk with a member of our dental care team, you can make an appointment using our online form or you can call us on 02 6684 3677. We look forward to hearing from you.