How Long Do Dentures Last?

Dentures don’t last forever. But, depending on what type of dentures they are and how you take care of them, you should be able to get several years of use out of them. If you are wondering how long do dentures last, in this article we will look closely at the factors that impact the lifespan of dentures. We will also explore how you can extend their life by performing a few simple tasks in the care and handling of your false teeth.

How Long Should Dentures Last?

In most cases, dentists claim that the average set of dentures should last somewhere between five and ten years. There are examples of dentures lasting a lot longer than this, and obviously many examples of dentures lasting less than this. Proper oral hygiene contributes to longevity.

Lifespans For Different Types of Dentures

How long do dentures last? The type of denture has some influence on the lifespan. Here is a short review of how long different types of dentures last on average:

Partial/Full Dentures

According to data from dentists, full dentures have an average lifespan of between five and ten years. Partial dentures, on the other hand, may last as long as fifteen years.

Immediate Dentures

As immediate dentures are intended to be temporary until you receive your permanent dentures, they last for just months. Typically, two to three months is the full lifespan.

Do Dentures Wear Out? When To Get New Ones

The shape of your jawline changes over time. You will notice this when you find that your dentures do not fit properly anymore. They may slip or slide around in your mouth or rub against your gums causing pain or sores. These are signs telling you to schedule an appointment with your dentist to investigate further.

How Relining and Rebasing Extend The Lifespan of Dentures

Denture wearers should see their dentist regularly. It is a good idea to schedule those visits to take place at least once per year. During the visit, your dentist will examine your dentures and mouth. If you have experienced any changes in how your dentures fit or function, this is the time to share that information. You may not need to replace your false teeth with new dentures.

Two methods your dentist may use to extend the lifespan of your dentures are relining and rebasing. Relining will involve a reshaping of the underside of your false teeth. This helps them to sit properly on your gumline if it has changed shape in any way. Rebasing is more complicated and is as the term indicates, your dentures receive a completely new base.

Both of these methods are designed to improve the fit of your dentures. If successful, you may get another five to ten years out of your current dentures. Frequent relining should be a clue to you that possibly these dentures have reached the end of their useful life and that it is time for you to get fitted for a brand-new set. The upside is that the new dentures should last several years.

Other Factors Impacting Denture Lifespan

The type of materials that the dentures are made from will have a lot to do with how long they last. Dentures with metal in the base will be stronger overall but that will also make them more expensive.

Plus, the more your dentures are repaired, the weaker they will become. Cracked dentures are an example. While these can be repaired, they will be weaker than before.

Take Care of Dentures To Increase Lifespan

How you take care of your dentures will heavily influence their lifespan. If you drop them often, don’t store them properly, or are just not very careful with these appliances, they can become damaged in many different ways. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, your dentures may fail more frequently and need repairs or replacement as a result.

As is the case with almost anything, the better you take care of something, the more use you will get out of it. The same thing applies to dentures. By following a simple daily routine of caring for them, you will contribute to their longevity. This starts by cleaning them daily. Dentures should be cleaned at least twice a day by rinsing with warm water and brushed gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush using a non-abrasive denture cleaner.

Each night before going to bed, you should leave your dentures in a soaking solution overnight. Do not wear them sleeping. Because of the material false teeth are made from, they must remain moist. Dentures that dry out can crack and break from becoming brittle. They can also warp out of shape when they dry.

Finally, be sure to visit your dentist at least annually so that your dentures can be examined to see if they still fit properly.

In Conclusion

So how long do false teeth last? Well, there isn’t a clear and concise answer to that question simply because there are so many variables that come into play. Essentially, you can expect five to ten years with your dentures, but there are things that you can do things to extend the timeframe.

By practicing good denture care habits, you can get more life out of your dentures. However, there is a point when repairs will no longer be effective, and you may just have to bite the bullet and get new dentures.