How Long do Dentures Last?

The way that you care for and maintain your dentures impacts their lifespan. If you are not careful with them and you are dropping them often or not storing them properly, they may become damaged. This damage may cause the dentures to crack or break and require repairs or replacement.

Just as you would expect, the better you care for them, the more use you will get out of your dentures. By spending the time and effort to properly care for them, you will maximize their lifespan.

Proper care starts with cleaning. Your dentures should be cleaned at least twice daily by rinsing with warm water and brushing gently with a non-abrasive denture cleaner and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Every night, you should remove your dentures and place them in a soaking solution. If they are not kept moist, dentures may dry out, causing them to crack, break, or warp out of shape.

Finally, make sure that you are visiting the team at Legacy Dental at least once per year so that we can examine your dentures and ensure they fit properly and are not damaged in any way.

Dentures are a major investment- but they are not meant to last a lifetime. They do have limits. Below are some of the most common signs that your dentures may need to be replaced.

Loose/Falling Out

Dentures should fit snugly against your gums and should not shift around while chewing and speaking. If they are loose or falling out, you need to have them adjusted or replaced. If you are needing to use a lot of adhesive, this could also be a sign that your dentures need to replaced or relined.

Difficulty Eating/Talking

Even if your dentures are not obviously moving around or falling out, if you are having difficulty eating or talking, you need to visit the clinic to determine what is happening and have them adjusted or replaced.

Uncomfortable/Painful

When you first get dentures, you can expect some discomfort as you get used to wearing them. The team at Legacy Dental will work with you to make sure that your first set fits properly from the beginning. However, if you notice that the discomfort is not subsiding or you have new discomfort or irritation, visit the clinic right away so that we can resolve the issue.

Discolored/Damaged

Just like your natural teeth, you can expect some natural wear and tear over time on your dentures. However, if you are missing teeth in your dentures or have significant discoloration or cracks/chips, you will want to have them replaced.

There is no standard timeline for denture replacement. After all, everyone is unique with different dietary habits, bite, and more. However, it's important to note that full dentures may last up to 10 years and partials up to 15 years- depending on your lifestyle and the quality of the denture.

While you should be scheduling annual check-ups every year, your dentures should be evaluated every 2 to 4 years to determine if they need replacement, reline, or repair.. Schedule your appointment with the team at Legacy Dental today. We are looking forward to working with you on all of your dental needs, including dentures.

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