When people lose their teeth — be it due to an injury or old age — they think getting dentures will solve the problem. Plus, there’s a common misconception that dentures last you a lifetime. But believe it or not, that’s not true. Instead, you should be asking just how long do dentures last in the first place.
Can Dentures Last Forever?
You’ve probably seen cartoon characters submerge their pair of dentures in a tall glass of water. Maybe that made you think one denture = good enough. But let us burst that bubble real quick. Dentures do not last you a lifetime. They’re not forever. In reality, you need to change and replace them once the duration runs out.
How Long do Dentures Last?
Every denture type varies. Depending on your dentures, they could either last you a decade or only a couple of years. For instance, two common types of dentures are:
Partial Dentures – allocated to only a certain part of your mouth.
Complete Dentures – specifically made to fit inside your whole mouth with a full set of 32 teeth.
Nonetheless, be it partial or complete dentures, the time it takes for them to wear out also depends. For example, partial dentures can surprisingly last for up to 15 years if you take good care of them. On the other hand, complete dentures last for as long as 5 to maybe 10 years at max.
This is because your mouth and dentures go through significant changes, causing the fitting to get altered and the appearance to look unappealing.
Signs That Indicate You Need New Dentures
There are quite a few indications that could signify you need new dentures. Here are the top 5 red flags to look out for:
- The set of dentures starts to get loose and repeatedly falls or slips out of your mouth.
- You have trouble speaking properly with the dentures sliding in your way.
- The dentures feel uncomfortable and have ill-fitted seating in your mouth.
- You feel the dentures digging into your gums, causing harm or damage. (In such cases, it’s essential to follow basic dental emergency tips)
- There are cracks, chipping, or discolored stains on the dentures.
- You keep hearing a clicking sound whenever you open your mouth, try to eat or speak, etc.
- The dentures keep moving in your mouth, making you gag every now and then.
How Can You Extend The Lifespan of Your Dentures?
This should be a given, but maintaining oral health and taking good care of your dentures can extend their lifespan. You can also ask your dentist to reline or rebase your dentures, which can help to make them feel more comfortable in your mouth.
Either way, here are some steps you can take to ensure your dentures last for a long time:
- Gargle your mouth with a saltwater rinse
- Clean your dentures on a daily basis.
- Remove and soak the dentures in a special soaking solution.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Don’t apply too much pressure.
- Rinse the dentures with warm water.
- Regularly visit your dentist for upkeep and professional evaluations
Conclusion
All in all, if you were wondering how long dentures last, hopefully, by now, you have a clear idea. Partial dentures and complete dentures both have varying shelf lives. However, they can easily last for 10 to 15 years at most.
Looking to get more insight into dentures? Head to Georgetown Elite Dental or give us a ring at (737)-444-2626 today!