Dentures are a common way of replacing your teeth. But you might wonder how long you can expect them to last.
Even though the teeth are durable and robust, that does not mean you can expect them to last forever. Keep reading to learn how long you can expect them to last before needing replacement.
About the average life span of dentures
A dentist can create dentures from many high-quality materials, such as ceramic and acrylic. The type of material determines how long patients can expect them to last. But no matter the material, the average life span is anywhere from 7 to 10 years. If the dentures are older than that, the patient needs to assess them to see if the prosthetics are still working. There are a few signs that indicate it is time to get a replacement.
Broken denture teeth
If the teeth and other parts of the dentures break, it could be time for a replacement. Of course, sometimes, repairs can solve the problem. However, a dentist needs to assess the issue. Trying to repair these at home might result in health issues. That could include TMJ or bite problems.
Home repairs could result in the need for a replacement. If the base of the teeth breaks, it is necessary to replace them. The base is critical. It helps the teeth function well.
Fit changes
The dentures will start to fit differently over the years because the bone structure begins to shift underneath. If the dentures are wobbly or loose, it can be challenging to speak and eat. On the other hand, if the patient does not wear the teeth often enough, the teeth could be too tight. It is a good idea to have teeth relined and inspected frequently. If the dentures get maintained regularly, and there are still changes, it might be time for a replacement.
Extremely dirty or stained teeth
The dentures might have small fractures and cracks in them. That causes bacteria to start building up in the area. If the patient does not clean them, the gum might have an infection. That results in many more dental problems. Once the dentures become too stained, it might be time for new ones.
Why replace the teeth?
During the design of dentures, the lab will customize the teeth to fit the jawbone well. That allows a patient to eat and chew better. Plus, it keeps the jaw and bites in the correct area. Otherwise, the bone might get reabsorbed by the body, changing the look of the bite. Patients need to have regular dental appointments, allowing the doctor to check the bite.
Keep your dentures in good shape
With the right care, you can keep your false teeth in good condition for many years. But if you think that your dentures have outlived their life span, it might be time for new ones. Your dentist can help you decide if it is time to get new teeth. Making an appointment with your dentist today is the first step.
Recent Posts
Partial dentures with dental implants offer a long-term solution to replacing a section of missing teeth. This is a great replacement solution even if you have multiple teeth that are missing, as it utilizes two or more dental implants to support the partial denture rather than having the dentures rest upon and be supported by…
Replacing missing teeth with dentures restores much of their functionality. However, dental appliances are limited in what they can do compared to natural teeth. While you should be able to return to eating many of the foods that you enjoyed before you lost your teeth, some could cause problems for you. You should avoid eating…
Denture adhesives are a great way to keep your removable dentures in place. This guide is designed to help you determine if adhesives for dentures are right for you. A common concern that denture wearers have is that their dentures may come loose at an inopportune time, and denture adhesives offer a way to help…