How Long Can Dentures Last?
Your smile is your constant companion throughout every emotion, a powerful asset that often goes underappreciated until it's no longer there. While there are plenty of options for tooth replacement, they all come with their own considerations.
Dentures are an affordable way to fill in the gaps in your smile. But much like their natural counterparts, dentures too, have a shelf life. Complete dentures can last 5–10 years while partial dentures can last 5–15 depending on your oral hygiene and upkeep habits.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth. Unlike dental implants, dentures are removable, meaning you take them out and put them back into your mouth. There are two main types of dentures:
Complete Dentures: These are used when all the teeth are missing.
Partial Dentures: These are used when some natural teeth remain. They are usually attached to existing teeth with metal clasps.
Replacing teeth is about more than just their appearance. Dentures serve several vital functions such as:
Speech Improvement: Missing teeth can make it difficult to pronounce certain words. Dentures help improve clarity in speech.
Eating Assistance: Properly fitted dentures significantly enhance the ability to chew food, making it possible to eat a wider variety of foods.
Supporting Facial Muscles: A sudden loss of teeth can lead to a sunken appearance in one’s face. Dentures support facial muscles, maintaining the structure of your jawline and face.
What Affects Dentures’ Lifespan?
No two sets of dentures are the same, and several factors can determine their lifespan.
The dentures’ material can have a significant impact on how long they last. Some common materials include
Acrylic: Often used for the base of the denture, acrylic is a durable plastic that can be colour-matched to natural gum tissues. It’s lighter but more prone to wear, giving it an average lifespan of 5–8 years.
Porcelain: Porcelain teeth are harder and more wear-resistant than acrylic teeth and may better imitate the natural appearance of teeth.
Metal Alloy: In some partial dentures, a metal framework can provide greater stability and strength compared to those made entirely of acrylic.
Every chew and smile inflicts a certain amount of wear on dentures. Over time, this wear can cause the fit to change, potentially leading to discomfort and decreased functionality.
Jawbones and ridges supporting your dentures can also gradually change shape, leading to a less precise fit. This can happen alongside weight loss, loss of natural teeth, or simply as a result of natural aging.
How to Help Dentures Last
While nothing can halt time, some practices can help make your dentures last longer. Just like natural teeth, dentures must be cleaned daily. This means brushing them to remove food and dental plaque. Denture care best practices include:
Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild denture cleaner.
Don’t use bleach or abrasive cleaners, as they can cause scratches.
Rinse your dentures after meals to wash out food particles before they get trapped.
Avoid using hot water, as it can cause warping.
When you’re not wearing your dentures—such as overnight—soak them in a specialized denture cleaner to help kill bacteria. You could also use a mix of warm water and vinegar unless your dentures have metal clasps, as vinegar can tarnish them.
When cleaning your dentures, do so over a folded towel or a sink filled with water to prevent damage if they're accidentally dropped.
Signs Your Dentures Need Replacing
Recognizing when it's time to bid adieu to your dentures is crucial for both your comfort and oral health. Some signs you may need to replace your dentures include:
They feel loose or fall out
It’s uncomfortable to talk
You experience pain or discomfort
There are sores on your gums
There is visible damage
What Happens When Dentures Are Replaced?
When the time comes to replace your dentures, the process can be a reflection of the initial fitting. Here's what to expect:
Consultation & Assessment
Your dentist will evaluate the state of your current dentures and any changes in your oral health. This will involve discussing the fit and aesthetics of your current dentures.
Fabrication of New Dentures
The process of making new dentures can take several weeks and multiple appointments. This starts with taking impressions of your mouth and selecting the size, shape, and colour for the new teeth. For complete dentures, your dentist may give you immediate dentures so you’re not without teeth while you wait.
Fitting & Adjustments
Once the new dentures are made, you'll have a fitting to ensure they look and feel just right. It's common to need several adjustments to achieve the perfect fit.
Support & Post-Fit Care
Your dentist will discuss the care and maintenance required for your new dentures. This will include instructions on cleaning, handling, and when to come in for a check-up.
Making Your Smile Last
Your smile journeys with you through every laugh, meal, and moment. Caring for it is of the utmost importance.
Good oral hygiene and professional care are the cornerstones of a durable denture experience. When in doubt, don't hesitate to lean on the Shine Dental team for guidance. If you’re curious how dentures can help restore your smile, book an appointment, and let’s explore together.
After all, when it comes to smiles shared, we're in it for the long run.