How Long Do Dentures Last ? Best Care And Ways To Extend Lifespan

How long do dentures last? Well, congratulations on your new dentures. I believe your dentist had told you earlier how long your dentures will last, but it has escaped your memory.

Now you’re at home with your shiny new dentures in your mouth, and one of your worries is how long they will last. Many people commonly believe that getting dentures is a long-term relationship and that you will be set for life if you have them.

Well, be careful with your new dentures; everything artificial has expiring date and, if mismanaged, will expire before its time. So now you know there’s no permanent fix for your dental issues. Dentures are a great way to restore your upper arch, lower arch, or both arches of teeth. Different types of dentures may require different care.

How long do dentures last?

So, the question is, how long do dentures last? Well, the best dentures last for 5-15 years duration before they will need a replacement. The American Dental Association recommends you replace your dentures every 5-7 years for proper fit and appearance.

Although dentures can be managed for up to 15 years if you’re taking good care of them, your dentures will eventually need to be replaced within the years stipulated.

How long do partial dentures last? 

How long do partial dentures last? Statistics have shown that full dentures last between 5 and 15 years, while partials have maximum longevity of 15 years. 

During this time frame, your mouth and dentures can undergo major changes, resulting in an improper fit and unappealing appearance. That’s why you will need relining and rebasing from time to time.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dentures?

While the lifespan of your dentures is between 5-10 years, you can extend it to 15 years by relining and rebasing. Relining and rebasing are two methods your dentist can use to extend the lifespan of your dentures. 

• Relining involves the dentist reshaping the underside of your (otherwise perfectly fine) dentures to make them feel more comfortable on your gums.
• Rebasing is a more complex process that refers to the total replacement of the base material of the dentures, that is, the plastic part that is there to simulate gum tissue. Thus, it provides your dentures more stability and a better fit.

How To Take Care Of Your Dentures

1.   Cleaning: Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. Clean your mouth after removing your dentures using a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue. Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution.

2.   Hot water: Avoid hot or boiling water that could warp your dentures.

3.   Bleach-containing products: Don’t use any bleaching products because these can weaken dentures and change their color

4.   Soak dentures overnight: Most types of dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. More guides here

Sign Your Dentures Need To Replacement 

Dentures Feel Loose, Or Falling Out: A great pair of dentures will stay in place while you chew and speak, by friction alone. The tight fit between your denture and gum is typically enough to keep the prosthesis in place during most day-to-day activities.

So, if you find out that your dentures are becoming loose or they’re falling out of your mouth, it means your dentures need to be adjusted or may need to be replaced altogether. You can use denture adhesive in the meantime, but this is just a short-term fix.

You’re Having Difficulty Speaking Clearly

Difficulty in speaking is usually related to a loose fit of your dentures. If your dentures are loose, you may notice that you sound “slushy” and are slurring your words. Your dentures must be adjusted or replaced to ensure you can speak clearly.

Dentures Discomfort Or Harming Gum Tissue

Dentures that are in good shape and fit properly will not cause discomfort. If you notice pain when you chew or bite, it is a sign you need to replace your dentures. If you feel Sores, lesions, or other changes in the health of your gums, you should see a dentist immediately to refit or replace your dentures.

Dentures Damaged Or Discolored

Chips or cracks in your dentures? Then you need to see your dentist as this could signify you need to change your dentures. If any teeth have loosened, they will certainly need replacement.

Discoloration of the teeth is also a good reason to replace your dentures. Discoloration can be avoided with proper care, but over time, your dentures may still become somewhat yellowed or discolored, particularly if you drink a lot of coffee, wine, or tea while wearing them.

How long do immediate dentures last?

Immediate dentures are designed to be temporary, only worn for about 6 to 8 months until the arrival of a permanent denture. Since these aren’t custom-fitted to the mouth, they can slip and move, so many people don’t wear them for an extended period.

How long do acrylic dentures last?

How long do acrylic dentures last? Acrylic prostheses are normally used as temporary or immediate dentures after teeth removal. It should last a minimum of three to seven years, depending on your use and care. Your dentures will need to be relined or rebased.

How long do permanent dentures last?

It is important to note that although permanent dentures are considered permanent, they do not last forever. This is because, as you continue wearing the permanent partial dentures, your gum tissue and bone gradually change as the years pass. Therefore, permanent dentures should be replaced every 5 to 10 years.

How many hours a day should you wear your dentures?

Dentures need six to eight hours of rest per day to rest the tissues under them. You’re your dentures thirteen hours a day, or you can wear them throughout the day, but remove and soak them at night so they can rest, even if you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to remove them at night.

How long do snap-in dentures last?

The simple answer for how long your snap-on dentures will last depends on how well you care for them. Typically, all patients will need to replace their snap-in dentures every 10 to 15 years. Additionally, the plastic snaps wear out every 6-12 months and must be replaced.

How long do implant dentures last?

Implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance though your denture will likely need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years due to regular wear and tear on the porcelain. The nylon O-rings will wear out more quickly and probably need to be replaced every one to five years.

Conclusion

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.