How Long Do Dentures Last?

Wondering how long your dentures should last? Maybe your dentures (also called false teeth) feel uncomfortable, cause you to gag, or come loose. Or, perhaps you’ve had your dentures for a while and wonder when you should plan for a replacement.

If your dentures feel uncomfortable, don’t panic. Dentures are not permanent and must always be replaced at a certain point. And sometimes, a simple denture repair is all that is needed to get you back to normal. Even though it’s not a massive issue, you should still contact your dentist and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.  

In what follows, we discuss the lifespans of different kinds of dentures, common reasons for denture replacements and repairs, and provide information on our personalized service offerings.  

How Long Does a Full Denture Last?  

Full dentures are used to replace a complete row of teeth on your upper or bottom row lost due to gum disease, dental mishaps, or aging. Full dentures are usually replaced between 5 and 10 years after installation, even if they’re the most state-of-the-art dentures in the world.   

How Long Does a Partial Denture Last?  

Though “false teeth” is just another phrase for any denture, people probably imagine partial dentures when they think of false teeth. Partial dentures are used for replacing a single tooth or a few missing teeth on your upper or bottom low, which fell out due to the same reasons as full dentures. Partial dentures are more durable than full dentures, usually lasting for about 15 years. Experts recommend removing partial dentures at night to give your gums and jawbone a break.  

How Long Does an Immediate Denture Last?  

Immediate dentures (also called temporary dentures) are prosthetic devices installed immediately after removing your natural teeth. They are only used for 2-3 months and are replaced when your permanent dentures are ready for installation.  

Reasons Why Dentures Need Replacement and Repairs  

You should contact your dentist about a repair or replacement if:  

• Your dentures make a clicking sound when you’re speaking,  

• Your dentures keep falling out,  
• Your dentures cause discomfort,   
• Your gums are irritated or sore,  
• Your dentures look worn and are no longer aesthetically pleasing.  

The reason that dentures are always replaced after a certain point is that your mouth changes over time. In the same way we grow out of clothes as we age, we grow out of dentures—the only difference is that our gums and jaws shrink instead of growing. As a result, your dentures may become loose and uncomfortable. Whether you need a replacement or repair depends on the condition of your dentures and what is wrong with them.   

General wear and tear– in the form of stains, general darkening, or loosening– can also require denture repairs or replacement. Though you try your best to remove stains and keep your dentures looking white, they can still lose their pleasing appearance—which may have been one of the reasons you got dentures in the first place.  

Whether you need repairs to extend your dentures’ lifespan (like relining or rebasing) or a denture replacement depends on the extent your mouth has changed since installation and the extent of denture deterioration. It also depends on how well you have maintained your dentures. And, since your jawbone shrinks considerably within the first year after your teeth are removed, you will probably need to have your dentures relined or remade after 6-12 months.  

In terms of repairs, the relining process involves reshaping the underside of your dentures for improved comfort, while rebasing involves completely replacing the denture’s plastic base material. Relining is used to combat changes in mouth shape, weight loss, and loss of jawbone mass that cause your dentures to feel loose or fall out. Rebasing, on the other hand, is used when your denture is broken or in weak condition.  

Get a Complimentary Denture Consultation in Western New York  

If you’re dentures feel loose, are causing discomfort, showing wear and tear, or you wonder whether they’ve reached their lifespan, then you should make an appointment with your dentist to discuss options.  

Western New York hosts many dental practices, but they aren’t all equal. When you choose Concierge Dental Group, you can rest assured knowing you will receive the highest level of personalized care from highly trained, courteous staff who use state-of-the-art digital technologies.   

Sign up for a complimentary 60-minute consultation today.