Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They restore oral functions like chewing and speaking, maintain facial structure, and improve smile aesthetics. Dentures offer a practical solution for individuals experiencing complete or partial tooth loss.
Global and National Prevalence
Globally, approximately 19% of the population in many countries utilizes some form of denture. In the United States, about 40.99 million citizens were reported to be wearing dentures in 2020. This figure is projected to increase to 42.46 million by the close of 2025.
More than 36 million Americans have lost all their teeth, a condition known as edentulism. Of this edentulous population, about 90% use dentures as a replacement. Additionally, around 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Partial dentures, which replace only some missing teeth, are worn by about 18.5 million people in the U.S., representing nearly 6% of the adult population.
Who Wears Dentures
Denture prevalence increases with age, reflecting natural tooth loss. For instance, only about 3% of Americans aged 18-34 wear dentures. This percentage rises to 16% for those between 35 and 44 years old, and further to 29% for individuals aged 45-55. Among adults aged 55 to 64, 51% use dentures, and by 65-74 years, the prevalence reaches 57%. Many individuals receive their first denture between the ages of 40 and 49.
Women in the U.S. are more likely to wear dentures (24%) than men (19%), partly due to longer life expectancy, hormonal shifts during pregnancy and menopause, and increased susceptibility to gum disease and bone loss. Socioeconomic status also plays a role, as edentulism disproportionately affects aging and economically disadvantaged populations. Individuals from lower income brackets face a higher risk of complete tooth loss. While those with lower incomes often prioritize denture function, higher income groups tend to consider both aesthetics and function. Overall satisfaction with dentures, including aspects like mastication, speech comfort, and social status, tends to improve with higher socioeconomic standing.
Shifting Patterns in Denture Use
Denture use is shifting due to improvements in dental care and demographic changes. While the rate of complete tooth loss, or edentulism, has seen a decline in many developed nations over recent decades, the overall number of people requiring dentures continues to grow. This growth is largely driven by the aging global population and increasing life expectancy. For example, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to rise from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, and by 2030, older adults are expected to outnumber children in the U.S.
Advancements in dental hygiene and preventative care have reduced tooth loss among younger generations, which impacts the overall rate of edentulism. However, modern dietary habits, especially sugary substances, still pose oral health challenges leading to tooth loss. Additionally, the field of denture technology has seen significant progress, with innovations like digital impressions, 3D printing, and new biocompatible materials enhancing the fit, comfort, durability, and natural appearance of dentures. Despite these advancements, the natural process of jawbone resorption following tooth loss can cause dentures to become ill-fitting over time, necessitating adjustments or replacement. Factors such as weight fluctuations and inadequate denture care can also affect their fit.