HOW LONG DO DENTURES LAST?
Dentures are made of hard-wearing materials. Properly maintained and securely fitted, they should last for anywhere between five and ten years, but over time, you may find your dentures need to be adjusted or repaired for a better fit.
If you’re seeing your dentist regularly, they will be able to advise you on when your denture might need repairing, or whether you need new dentures. However, this will vary depending on your denture care routine and how well they’ve been maintained.
Why your dentures may need work
There are a variety of reasons why you may need your dentures repaired, or new ones altogether. Natural changes in the shape of your face can be a factor in needing to replace your dentures. As we get older our gums and jaw bone start to shrink – this is known as bone resorption. This process, and general wear, can mean your dentures become loose over time and you might begin to notice they don’t feel as secure as they once did. The ability to repair dentures depends on their condition. Your dentist will speak to you about your options to maintain a natural fit, whether the solution is relining, rebasing or even replacing.
You might want to consider having a chat with your dentist if you notice any of the following:
- Your dentures are making a clicking sound when you are talking
- Your dentures don’t feel as comfortable as they used to
- Your gums are irritated
- Your dentures appear to be visibly worn
Look after what you have
The best way to keep your dentures working better for longer is to keep them (and your mouth) in tip-top shape. There are several things you can do to maintain your dentures and take good care of your whole mouth while you’re at it:
- Clean your dentures every day. It's important that your dentures are cleaned every day to remove plaque and trapped food to ensure a fresh-feeling mouth. A combination of soaking in a specialised solution like Polident, brushing and rinsing is one of the best ways to clean dentures.
- Give your dentures and gums a rest by taking them out at night and be sure to store them wet.
If you’ve noticed your dentures aren’t as comfortable as they once were or they’re becoming loose, your dentist can advise you on the next steps. Properly maintained and securely fitting dentures will give your dentures a long life, allowing you to live yours.
