Sitting at home with your new dental dentures in place, you might wonder: just how long will they hold up? There’s a common perception that getting dental dentures means committing to a long-term relationship, implying that once you have them, you’re set for life.
In reality, there’s no permanent solution to dental problems. Similar to how you might replace a worn-out sofa, dental dentures will also require replacement, typically within 10-15 years if properly cared for. Wondering about the lifespan of partial dental dentures? Curious about what steps to take when your dentures are nearing the end of their tenure, and how to safeguard them? Keep reading for all the answers!
The Duration of Various Denture Varieties
We often perceive our mouths as unchanging, but in reality, like most aspects of life, they are subject to change: gums may shrink, and the shape of the jawbone may also alter.
What is the typical lifespan of partial dentures versus full dentures?
Statistics indicate that full dental dentures typically endure for 5 to 10 years, whereas partials may last up to 15 years. Throughout this period, both your mouth and dentures can experience significant changes, potentially leading to misfitting and a less aesthetically pleasing appearance.
What is the lifespan of immediate dentures?
There’s another category of dentures known as immediate or temporary dentures, which typically last for a few months. These dentures are inserted by your dentist immediately after the removal of your natural teeth and serve as a temporary solution until your permanent dentures are ready, typically for around two to three months.
How to Determine When it’s Time for a Change?
As your mouth undergoes changes over time, it’s crucial to ensure proper fit for your dentures. Regular dental check-ups are highly recommended for denture wearers, ideally every 12 months, or at the earliest indication of discomfort such as clicking or gagging, even if these symptoms initially appear minor.
Even with diligent efforts to whiten and remove stains from your dentures, they undergo wear and tear similar to natural teeth. When your dentures lose their aesthetic appeal or fail to fit snugly, becoming loose in your mouth, it’s time to consider relining, rebasing, or remaking them, depending on the extent of changes in your mouth or deterioration of the dentures.
Ways to Prolong the Longevity of Your Dentures
Numerous methods exist to promote the durability of your dentures, ranging from relining and rebasing to maintaining a consistent oral hygiene regimen.
What is the Definition of Relining and Rebasing?
Relining and rebasing are two techniques employed by your dentist to prolong the durability of your dentures. Relining entails reshaping the underside of your existing dentures to enhance comfort on your gums, while rebasing involves the complete replacement of the base material, the plastic portion that mimics gum tissue. This process ensures increased stability and an improved fit for your dentures.
Reasons behind wearing dental dentures
Complete dentures, designed to replace all of your natural teeth, fit securely over your gums. They aid in comfortable eating and clear speech, enhancing your confidence and self-esteem.
Partial dentures fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and can sometimes be supported by remaining natural teeth. If there are spaces between your teeth, adjacent teeth might shift to fill the gaps, potentially resulting in misalignment or tilting. Such changes could impact your biting pattern and may cause damage to adjacent teeth.
What is the timeframe for receiving dentures after tooth extraction?
Typically, immediate dentures can be fitted immediately after tooth extraction. Prior to this, you’ll need to visit the dental team for them to take measurements and impressions of your mouth.
Immediate dentures spare you from being without teeth during the healing phase of your gums. Nevertheless, bone and gum tissue can diminish over time, particularly within the initial six months following tooth extraction. Should gum shrinkage occur, your immediate dentures might necessitate relining, adjustments, or replacement. Your dental team can provide further guidance on this matter.
Occasionally, your dental team might recommend waiting until your gums have fully healed before fitting your dentures, as this can potentially result in a more optimal fit. Healing duration can span several months.
Who is responsible for creating and fitting my dentures?
Your dentist will conduct measurements and impressions of your mouth, then proceed to order your dentures from a dental technician.
Will wearing dentures alter my appearance?
Restoring lost or missing teeth significantly benefits both your health and appearance. Complete or full dentures not only replace natural teeth but also provide support to your cheeks and lips. In the absence of this support, facial muscles may sag, leading to an older appearance and difficulties in eating and speaking effectively.
Dentures can be crafted to closely resemble your natural teeth, minimizing any noticeable changes to your appearance. In fact, contemporary dentures may even enhance your smile and contribute to a fuller facial appearance.
Can I eat with dentures?
Eating with dentures may require some practice. Begin with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly, using both sides of your mouth simultaneously to prevent the denture from shifting. As you grow accustomed to your denture, gradually reintroduce other foods until you resume your regular, healthy diet.
Will wearing dental dentures affect my speech?
Mastering the pronunciation of certain words may require practice. Reading aloud and repeating challenging words can be beneficial.
If you notice your dentures slipping occasionally when laughing, coughing, or smiling, gently readjust them by biting down and swallowing. If this becomes a frequent issue, consult your dentist.
What is the recommended duration for wearing dentures?
In the initial days, your dental team might recommend wearing your dentures for most of the day, including during sleep. Once your mouth adjusts to the dentures, they may suggest removing them before bedtime. This practice allows your gums to rest and promotes oral health. When taking out your dentures at night, it’s advisable to store them in a small amount of water to prevent warping.
