Whether replacing a full set of teeth or filling in the gaps made by one or two missing teeth, dentures can be an excellent choice for a natural-looking and beautiful smile. If you have any questions about dentures, including how long do dentures last, the team at AZ Dentist is here to help.
How long does it take to get dentures made?
From start to finish you can have dentures in as few as three weeks (but as many as several months). The actual time frame depends on whether you are getting a full or partial set, the type of denture you need, and any other oral procedures you need done first (e.g., extraction or bone grafting).
In general, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth to send to a lab for custom-made dentures. If you need any extractions or other surgeries performed, this will often occur on the same day. While your custom dentures are being made, you will be fitted with a temporary denture while your gums heal.
Once your gums have healed and your permanent dentures are ready, your dentist will check for fit. Expect a period of adjustment, and follow your dentist’s guidelines to gradually get used to your new dentures.
How long do dentures last?
So the million dollar question: how long do dentures last? The less exciting answer is that it depends on a few factors:
- The material used
- The type of denture and its placement
- How you care for your dentures
- Other individual factors
Material
Dentures can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and hard resin.
In general, hard resin is the most durable material and can last longer than less common porcelain and ceramic dentures.
Type of denture and its placement
Full sets of dentures can be mounted on a flexible polymer frame that makes them comfortable to wear, but sometimes dentures are also held in place with a denture adhesive.
Dentures to replace a few teeth are considered partial dentures. These may be snapped into place over existing natural teeth on either side. Factors that affect the longevity of this type of denture include the health of the remaining natural teeth.
Both partial and full sets of dentures can also be implant-supported. Although implant supported dentures (whether bar-retained or ball-retained implant supported dentures) feel and function just like natural teeth, underlying health issues in the jawbone and remaining natural teeth may compromise their lifespan, too.
How dentures are cared for, and who’s wearing them
Taking good care of your dentures can prolong their life (see below for three tips on that), but natural changes to your oral anatomy may necessitate new dentures. Weight loss or gain or changes in the structure of the mouth can shorten your denture’s lifespan, as can any injury or trauma to the mouth (whether dentures are in or out).
Back to that essential question: how long do “permanent” dentures last?
Given all of the above factors, the average lifespan of dentures is between five and ten years, but with strong materials and proper care, some patients have dentures that last decades beyond that – in some cases up to 30 years!
Note the use of quotes around the word “permanent.” There are few dental fixes that are considered permanent, so it’s important to care for your dentures.
As for partial dentures, the main deciding factor on how long they last is the health of your teeth on either side of the dentures. The healthier the natural teeth, the better chance the partial dentures will last longer.
How often do dentures need to be relined?
Relining is a simple adjustment that can make your dentures more comfortable when you experience changes in the gums.
When teeth are extracted, your jawbone begins to change. The tooth socket is gradually filled in and sealed with bone, and the whole jaw changes shape. If a person is experiencing bone loss, this change of shape may be ongoing.
Once the shape of the jaw changes, dentures may become loose. They may rub on the gums, causing painful sores.
Rather than get a new set of dentures every time the jawbone changes, your dentist can reline dentures to keep them properly fitted and comfortable. Your dentist performs a soft reline with a flexible liquid polymer that is applied to the portion of the denture that contacts the gum. This can be done in your dentist’s office and is often an easy, comfortable solution for dentures that are ill-fitting due to bone loss.
A hard reline also reshapes dentures for a better fit but uses a more rigid material. This may need to be completed outside of your dentist’s office.
Soft relines are best when a patient is first fitted with dentures because the bones will be shifting and changing in the jaw frequently in the first year or so. After the jawbone reaches some equilibrium and bone loss slows or stops, a hard reline is a more permanent fix.
How do I best care for my dentures?
Caring for your dentures well not only helps them last longer, but also protects your overall oral health. Here are three simple guidelines to get the most out of your dentures.
Note that this is only a basic overview so always talk to your dentist about your specific care instructions.
Brush dentures daily
Remove your dentures every night for sleep (you will sleep more comfortably that way). Use a soft bristle brush to gently remove debris and food particles.
Soak in a glass of water whenever you remove them to prevent warping or twisting. Clean dentures with a dedicated denture soak weekly.
Take good care of your gums and natural teeth
Caring for your gums (and natural teeth if you have partial dentures) is crucial for overall good oral health.
Brush gums, tongue, the roof of your mouth, and any natural teeth twice a day.
Visit your dentist for regular checkups
Once your dentures are properly fitted and your gums heal from any extractions or oral surgeries, it’s important to visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups. They will evaluate the fit of your dentures and assess any wear that may need to be attended to.
Slightly worn dentures or dentures with a fit that is even slightly off can cause painful sores, abscesses, and infections that can cause permanent damage to your gums and underlying bones.
If you still have questions about how long dentures last and how to comfortably prolong their life, schedule a checkup with AZ Dentist today. With convenient locations all over Phoenix (and weekend appointment hours, too!), we are here when you need us.