How Long Will My Dentures Last?

While it typically varies from person to person, dentures usually last somewhere between five to ten years. However, they might need to be readjusted from time to time to give the wearer a more comfortable fit.

The longevity of a set of dentures depends on a number of factors like the quality of the material used to make the prosthetic, how well it fits the patient, and how well it is maintained. Patients who opt for high-quality dentures and take proper care of them tend to get the most out of their investment.

Determining if dentures need to be replaced

There are several reasons a set of dentures might need to be replaced or repaired. For starters, natural changes that occur to a person's face as they age can lead to an improper fit. These changes are usually due to the person's jaw and gums shrinking. The process is called bone resorption.

The improper fit caused by such issues puts additional stress on the dentures while worn. It leads to a less comfortable experience for the wearer.

Patients are advised to bring their dentures in if they notice a change in the way it fits. In many cases, the dentures can be realigned to compensate for the changes occurring.

Other reasons why patients should bring their dentures to the clinic include:

• The prosthetic makes a clicking sound when talking
• It does not feel as comfortable as it once did
• The wearer's gums are irritated as a result of wearing dentures
• The prosthetic visibly appears to be worn down

Taking care of your dentures

There are simple things patients can do to increase the longevity of their dentures and make it more comfortable to wear. 

Clean the prosthetic daily

Dentures require specialized cleaning to keep them in tip-top condition. The wearer should brush it gently with a toothbrush and rinse it thoroughly each night. The prosthetic should then be stored in denture solution overnight.

Do not go to bed with it

Dentures are designed to be continuously used during the day, but most dentists recommend taking them out before going to bed. This gives the wearer's mouth an opportunity to rest and heal any sores caused by the prosthetic. Soaking dentures overnight helps to maintain their moisture and form when not being worn.

Be careful when handling it

Dentures are a lot more brittle than they appear. The prosthetic can easily shatter if it is dropped on a hard surface. Patients are advised to keep that in mind when cleaning the prosthetic. A towel can be used to provide some cushion if it falls out of a person's hand while being cleaned.

Get the most out of your dentures

Dealing with a damaged or poorly-fitting set of dentures? Bring it over to our Mountain View office for realigning, repairs and restorations. If your dentures are too damaged for repairs, our staff will fit you for a new set.

Let's get started…

Request an appointment here: https://smilesdental.com or call Smiles Dental Care at (650) 563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.

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