How Long Do Dentures Last? 7 Signs Yours Need Attention

This article is general information. Your own care plan depends on an assessment of your mouth.

Most people expect a new set of dentures to last for good. In reality, dentures wear down and your mouth keeps changing underneath them, so even a well-made denture needs some care along the way.

Here is how long dentures usually last, what changes over the years, and the signs that tell you it is time for a reline, a repair or a new set. We are the team at Kasper Denture Clinic, and we see dentures at every stage of their life.

How long do dentures usually last?

Most full and partial dentures last about 5 to 7 years before they need to be replaced. Some last longer with good care and regular refits, and some wear out sooner, especially if they are worn day and night or have been dropped a few times.

Two things wear out at different speeds. The teeth slowly flatten from chewing, and the fit loosens as the gums and bone underneath shrink after teeth are removed. A denture can look fine and still fit poorly.

What changes year by year

• First few months. If you had teeth removed, your gums shrink the most during healing. Immediate dentures usually need a reline once things settle.
• Years 1 to 3. The fit loosens gradually. Most dentures benefit from a refit every 2 to 3 years.
• Years 3 to 5. Teeth start to show wear, and the pink acrylic can stain and become more brittle.
• Years 5 to 7 and beyond. Worn teeth change your bite and how your face looks, and a new set usually makes more sense than another refit.

7 signs your denture needs attention

1. It rocks, slips or needs more adhesive than it used to
2. Food keeps getting trapped underneath
3. You have sore spots or rubbing on your gums
4. You click, whistle or lisp when you talk
5. Chewing feels harder, or you avoid certain foods
6. The teeth look short, flat or chipped
7. There is a crack, or a tooth has come loose

Reline, repair or replace?

A loose denture that is otherwise in good shape usually just needs a denture reline, which refits the base to your gums as they are now. A crack, a broken clasp or a tooth that came off is a job for denture repairs in the lab.

If the teeth are badly worn, the acrylic is brittle, or the denture has been repaired more than once, it is usually time for new full dentures or a new partial. Paying for repeated fixes on an old denture often costs more in the long run. If it has been a while since your last set, read up on the kinds of dentures available now before you decide.

How to make your dentures last longer

• Brush them daily with a denture brush, not regular toothpaste, which can scratch the acrylic
• Soak them overnight so they do not dry out and warp
• Handle them over a folded towel or a sink of water
• Get the fit checked every couple of years, even if nothing feels wrong
• Call before trying any home fix or glue

Do partial dentures last as long as full dentures?

Often a little longer, because a partial is anchored to your natural teeth. Metal and titanium partials are especially durable, and our comparison of flexible, acrylic and metal partials explains how each material holds up. The catch is that the teeth they clip to keep changing too, so if you lose another tooth or a clasp loosens, the partial may need a tooth added or a clasp adjusted. Read more about partial dentures.

Why an old denture can change how you look

As denture teeth wear flat, your bite slowly closes. That can make your lips look thinner, deepen the lines around your mouth and make your chin look closer to your nose. Many people do not notice it happening because it is so gradual, and they are surprised by how much younger they look with a new set.

An old, loose denture can also speed up bone loss in the jaw, because it presses unevenly on the ridge. Keeping the fit right protects what is underneath.

Questions we hear about denture lifespan

Can I keep wearing my dentures if they still feel okay? You can, but get the fit checked every couple of years. A denture can feel fine while the gums underneath are changing.

Is a reline cheaper than new dentures? Usually, yes. If the teeth are in good shape and only the fit has changed, a reline is the more economical fix.

Does CDCP or insurance help with relines and new dentures? Many plans do. We bill insurance directly and are a registered CDCP provider, so we can check your coverage when you book.

Get your dentures checked

Call our Vernon denture clinic, Kelowna denture clinic or Lake Country clinic, and we will look at the fit and wear and tell you honestly whether you need a reline, a repair or nothing at all. You can also send us a message.

Written by the team at Kasper Denture Clinic, a family run denture clinic serving Vernon, Kelowna and Lake Country since 1974.