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Dentures often last about 7 to 10 years before they require replacement or refitting, but there is no exact replacement schedule for everyone. Changes in your mouth, wear to the denture, and problems with fit or function can mean you need an adjustment, reline, repair, or replacement sooner.
Why Dentures Do Not Fit the Same Forever
Even when a denture itself remains intact, the mouth supporting it can change. After tooth loss, the jawbone gradually changes shape and volume, which can alter how closely the denture fits against the gums.
Normal use also wears the denture over time. Artificial teeth can flatten, the base can become damaged, and the bite can change. Partial dentures can develop additional fit problems if the remaining teeth move, become damaged, or are lost.
Signs It May Be Time to Replace Your Dentures
If your dentures have become so uncomfortable that they spend more time out of your mouth than in, or you avoid wearing them because they are difficult to eat or speak with, it is time to have them evaluated.
Signs that may indicate a need for denture replacement include:
- Dentures that frequently slip or move
- Increasing reliance on denture adhesive
- Difficulty chewing foods you previously ate comfortably
- Changes in speech
- Persistent sore spots or gum irritation
- Artificial teeth that look noticeably worn or flat
- Cracks, warping, or repeated breaks
- Changes in how your upper and lower teeth meet
- A partial denture that no longer fits securely around the remaining teeth
Changes in facial support or the appearance of your smile can also occur as the denture and supporting tissues change. An evaluation can determine what is causing the problem and whether the existing denture can still be corrected.
How Often Should You Replace Dentures?
There is no rule that dentures must be replaced after a specific number of years. Some need replacement sooner than expected, while others remain comfortable and functional longer.
Regular dental visits allow us to evaluate the denture along with the gums, jaw, bite, and any remaining teeth. This is important even if you no longer have natural teeth because changes in the mouth can occur without obvious symptoms.
A Reline or Repair May Delay Denture Replacement
A loose denture does not automatically need to be replaced. If the artificial teeth, bite, and denture base remain in good condition, a reline may improve the fit by adapting the inside of the denture to the current shape of your gums.
Replacement becomes more appropriate when problems affect the entire denture, such as significant tooth wear, an incorrect bite, extensive damage, repeated repairs, or a poor overall fit. We provide dentures and implant overdentures as well as ongoing care for existing removable restorations.
How to Help Your Dentures Last Longer
Good daily care can help protect dentures from unnecessary damage, although it cannot prevent the normal changes that occur in your mouth.
To care for your dentures:
- Clean them every day using products appropriate for dentures
- Handle them carefully to reduce the risk of dropping or breaking them
- Remove them as directed to give the supporting tissues time to rest
- Avoid attempting to bend, file, or repair them yourself
- Keep your gums and any remaining natural teeth clean
- Have changes in fit or comfort evaluated rather than relying on increasing amounts of adhesive
- Continue regular dental examinations
If a denture cracks or breaks, avoid household glues or repair products unless specifically recommended for dental use. An improper repair can change the fit and make professional correction more difficult.
FAQs
Do implant overdentures last longer?
They can. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime and help preserve the jawbone, which can help an overdenture maintain its fit. The denture or restoration attached to the implants is subject to everyday wear and tear, so it may eventually need repair or replacement.
Do upper and lower dentures need to be replaced at the same time?
Not necessarily. If one denture is still in good condition, it may not need to be replaced simply because the other one does. However, the upper and lower dentures work together to create your bite, so we evaluate both before replacing either one. In some cases, replacing both may provide a better fit and more balanced bite.
What is involved in a denture reline?
A denture reline adjusts the surface of the denture that rests against your gums so it fits the current shape of your mouth more closely. Depending on the type of reline, new material may be added in the dental office or the denture may be sent to a dental laboratory. A reline can improve the fit of a loose denture when the teeth, bite, and denture base are still in good condition.
Have Your Dentures Evaluated
At Morris Dental Solutions, we provide prosthodontic care for removable and implant-supported restorations. We can determine whether your dentures need an adjustment, repair, reline, or replacement.
To schedule an appointment at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N Arlington Heights Rd Ste 160, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.
