Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues, restoring chewing function and improving facial aesthetics. Knowing their typical lifespan and the factors influencing it helps individuals manage expectations and maintain oral health. This article explores how long dentures usually last, what can shorten their lifespan, and signs indicating a need for replacement.
Typical Lifespan
Conventional full or partial dentures typically last five to ten years. While their base materials are durable, the mouth undergoes continuous changes that impact the denture’s fit over time. Components of implant-supported dentures, such as the dental implants themselves, can last for many decades, often a lifetime, with proper care. However, the prosthetic teeth and acrylic base attached to these implants still experience wear similar to conventional dentures. These components may require replacement or relining within a similar five-to-ten-year period.
Factors Affecting Denture Longevity
Materials
The materials used in denture fabrication significantly influence their durability. Dentures are commonly made from acrylic resins for the base, often with acrylic or porcelain teeth. Higher quality, denser acrylics and more wear-resistant teeth better withstand daily chewing forces, contributing to a longer service life. The precision of the initial craftsmanship also plays a role in how well the denture fits and distributes chewing forces, impacting its longevity.
Oral Health Changes
Oral health changes within the mouth are a primary determinant of denture lifespan, particularly alveolar bone resorption. After tooth extraction, the jawbone naturally shrinks and reshapes over time, as it no longer receives stimulation from tooth roots. This bone loss alters the contours of the gums and underlying ridges, causing the denture to lose its snug fit and become loose. These changes necessitate adjustments or relines to restore stability and prevent discomfort.
Daily Habits and Care
Daily habits and the level of care provided to dentures directly affect their wear. Constant chewing of hard or sticky foods can accelerate the abrasion of prosthetic teeth and stress the denture base. Habits like clenching or grinding (bruxism) can also exert excessive forces on the dentures, leading to damage or accelerated tooth wear. Consistent, gentle cleaning and proper handling are important to prevent accidental damage.
Regular Professional Dental Check-ups
Regular professional dental check-ups are important for extending denture life. Dentists can identify early signs of wear, assess the fit, and perform necessary adjustments or relines. These routine visits allow for proactive intervention, addressing minor issues before they escalate into major problems requiring complete denture replacement.
Recognizing When Dentures Need Replacement
Fit
A common indicator that dentures require replacement is a noticeable change in their fit. As the jawbone and gum tissues resorb, dentures that once fit snugly begin to feel loose, slip during speaking or eating, or even fall out. This poor fit can lead to persistent irritation and the development of sore spots on the gums, as the ill-fitting prosthetic rubs against the soft tissues.
Chewing Difficulty
Difficulty chewing efficiently is another significant sign that dentures may need attention. When dentures no longer fit properly, they cannot distribute chewing forces effectively, making it challenging to bite and grind food. Individuals might find themselves avoiding certain foods, experiencing indigestion, or taking longer to eat meals due to reduced chewing ability. This diminished function impacts nutritional intake and overall quality of life.
Speech Patterns
Changes in speech patterns can signal a need for new dentures. Loose or ill-fitting dentures can interfere with tongue and lip movements, leading to slurring, whistling, or difficulty pronouncing certain words clearly. Patients may find themselves struggling to articulate sounds that were previously easy. The altered position of the prosthetic teeth can also contribute to these speech impediments.
Visible Damage
Visible damage to the denture itself, such as cracks, chips, or significant wear on the chewing surfaces, indicates that replacement is likely needed. Over time, the materials can degrade, becoming brittle or porous, leading to increased susceptibility to damage and persistent unpleasant odors despite regular cleaning. The structural integrity of the denture is compromised, affecting both function and hygiene.
Facial Appearance
Changes in facial appearance can arise from ill-fitting or worn dentures. When the jawbone continues to resorb and dentures no longer provide adequate support, the facial muscles can sag, leading to a “sunken” or aged appearance around the mouth and chin. This lack of support impacts facial aesthetics.
Extending Your Denture’s Lifespan
Proper Daily Cleaning Routines
Proper daily cleaning routines are important for extending denture longevity and maintaining oral hygiene. Dentures should be removed and brushed daily using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner, not regular toothpaste, which can scratch the surface. Soaking dentures in a denture-cleaning solution, as recommended by a dental professional, helps remove plaque, food particles, and stains, preventing bacterial buildup and unpleasant odors.
Careful Handling of Dentures
Careful handling of dentures is important to prevent accidental damage. Dentures are fragile and can break if dropped on a hard surface. It is advisable to handle them over a soft towel or a basin filled with water to cushion any accidental falls. When removing or inserting dentures, apply gentle, even pressure and avoid bending or twisting the prosthetic.
Proper Storage
Storing dentures properly when not in use helps maintain their integrity. Dentures should always be kept moist to prevent the acrylic from drying out, warping, or becoming brittle. They can be stored in water or a specific denture-soaking solution overnight. Allowing dentures to dry out can lead to irreversible changes in their shape, compromising their fit and requiring replacement sooner than expected.
Regular Dental Visits
Regular visits to a dental professional are important for ongoing denture maintenance. These appointments allow for professional cleaning, assessment of the denture’s fit, and necessary adjustments or relines. Over time, as the oral tissues change, a reline can restore the snug fit of the denture to the gum contours, improving stability and comfort. Proactive adjustments prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems that could shorten the denture’s lifespan.