Getting new dentures is an amazing way of replacing your missing natural teeth and improving your smile and oral health, but it’s only natural for you to wonder how long they’re gonna last. Well, most dentures stick it out between 5 and 15 years, depending on what sort of dentures you’ve got, the quality of the materials, how well you look after them, and how much your mouth changes over time.
Understanding how long dentures usually last can help you pick up on when they need a repair, a reline, or replacement.
- How long can you expect your dentures to last? Conventional dentures normally last about 5 or 10 years, with full dentures averaging around 10 years.
- Immediate dentures are designed for shorter-term use, usually for several months to a year or 2, before you get your permanent dentures or implant-supported dentures in.
- Dental implants can last for 15 to 25 years or more, while the denture portion of implant-supported dentures may need replacing every 8 or 12 years.
- Warning signs include loose dentures, sore spots, cracks, speech changes, and having trouble chewing.
- How long your dentures last depends on the type of dentures, the materials used, further tooth loss, bone loss, how you look after them, your eating and drinking habits, and if you see your dentist regularly.
How Long Do Dentures Last On Average?
For most people, full dentures and partial dentures last about 5 to 10 years, but with a bit of TLC, many people can go longer than that. One study from 2021 found the average survival time for upper dentures was 10 and a bit years and for lower dentures was 8 and a bit years, while a study from 2023 found the weighted mean survival to be roughly 10 years.
However, “survival” only means the denture is still physically usable. It might stop fitting comfortably or working properly before it actually breaks. Relines, repairs, and adjustments are just part of life as your mouth changes shape over time.
This creates two timelines: the functional lifespan, when the dentures still have a comfortable fit and chew ok, and the physical lifespan, when the denture has not yet broken or worn out. Jawbone changes, chewing forces, and just the usual wear and tear can all shorten the functional lifespan even when the denture itself is still ok.
Complete and Immediate Dentures: Types of Dentures and How Long They Usually Last
How long dentures last is heavily dependent on what sort of denture you have, what materials they are made from, and if you’re getting any other dental treatments.
Full dentures (complete dentures) replace a whole arch of missing teeth and usually last 7 to 10 years if you take proper care of them. Upper dentures often last longer because the roof of your mouth gives them a bit more stability.
Partial dentures replace missing teeth while using the remaining teeth you have left to hold them in place. They generally last 7 to 10 years, but it all depends on the health of the teeth holding them.
Immediate dentures are put in after the extraction of your natural teeth and are just temporary while the dental lab works on your permanent ones, but also last several months to a year or 2 before you get your permanent dentures or implant-supported dentures.
Implant-supported dentures and implant-retained overdentures are fitted to dental implants, which keep them in place better. The denture itself may need replacing every 8 to 12 years, but the implants themselves are designed to last much longer. One study found that after 20 years, about 92 and a half percent of the implants were still good.
Other tooth replacement options, like dental bridges and fixed implants, have different longevity profiles, and you should talk to your dentist about them.
Factors Affecting How Long Dentures Last
Denture longevity is influenced by loads of factors, not just how well made they are. Biology, your habits, and regular dental care all play a part.
Materials and design: High-quality acrylics and metal alloys can be more durable. Reinforced denture bases are less likely to crack, and porcelain denture teeth are less likely to wear down than acrylic ones but can be more brittle.
Oral changes: Bone loss changes the shape of your mouth and can make your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable. This is often more of a problem with the lower jaw.
Patient habits: Chewing your own teeth, smoking, eating really hard or sticky foods, and dropping your dentures can all cause them to wear out faster.
Oral hygiene: Plaque buildup, denture stomatitis, fungal infections, and inflamed tissues can make your dentures uncomfortable and reduce their lifespan.
Professional care: Regular dental visits, bite adjustments, relines, and repairs can all help make your dentures last longer and keep them feeling comfortable.
Reline, Repair, or Replace? Knowing When Your Dentures Need Maintenance
Dentures usually give you warning signs before they need replacing completely. Watch for things like:
- Slipping or moving around while you talk or eat
- Needing to use more denture adhesive than before
- Sore spots, discomfort, or ulcers
- Cracks or fractures in the base or the denture teeth
- Persistent stains that just keep coming back no matter how hard you try to get rid of them with cleaning products
- You’re starting to notice a change in your facial appearance, like sunken cheeks or your lips are starting to sag
- You’re having trouble chewing food that you used to have no problem with
Relining basically re-surfaces the inside of a denture so it fits your gums a bit better. Your dentist will probably recommend doing it every 1-2 years, especially once the teeth are still okay but the bone loss or other changes have made it so the denture doesn’t fit right. Relining is way cheaper than just replacing the whole thing.
Repairs can fix broken denture teeth, a broken base, or a loose clasp on a partial denture. Catching these problems early can prevent them from getting worse and extending the life of your dentures.
Full replacement is the way to go when the denture teeth are all worn down, the base has cracked repeatedly, or your dentures are around 7-10 years old and just aren’t doing it for you anymore. If you’re having persistent pain, it’s loose, or chewing is a problem, get in to see your dentist.
Denture Care: How to Make Your Dentures Last Longer
Taking good care of them can help extend their lifespan and make sure they stay comfortable.
Daily cleaning routine:
- Remove your dentures at night and gently brush them with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner.
- Rinse out your mouth and gums to keep oral tissues healthy.
- Clean your dentures daily to cut down on food debris and bacterial buildup.
Storing them overnight: Keep your dentures moist overnight by soaking them in water or a denture-soaking solution. Don’t use hot water, as it can warp the acrylic and change how it fits.
Avoid using strong cleaners: Don’t use toothpaste that’s too gritty, bleach, or baking soda paste to clean your dentures. These can scratch them and create little grooves where bacteria like to accumulate.
Don’t sleep in your dentures: Unless your dentist says otherwise, take your dentures out at night. Wearing them all the time can increase your risk of fungal infections and other changes that can affect how they fit.
Handle them with care: Fill a sink with water or put a towel down when you’re handling your dentures, so if they do happen to fall, they won’t get damaged.
Regular dental checkups are a must: These help your dentist monitor how well your dentures fit, gum health, oral cancer risk, and when you might need to get them relined, repaired, or replaced. Good oral hygiene on and off the denture will also help keep them in good shape.
Dentures vs. Dental Implants and Implant-Supported Options
When people start asking “how long do dentures last,” they’re usually thinking about how they compare to dental implants and implant-supported dentures.
Traditional dentures are normally the cheapest option for tooth replacement and don’t require surgery, but they usually only last around a decade, and they rely on your gums and changing jawbone for support. Over five years, traditional dentures have actually been shown to have a higher rate of cracks compared to implant overdentures, around 30.8% versus 10.3%.
Individual dental implants can last 15-25 years or longer when properly looked after. The crown or prosthesis may need to be replaced sooner because of normal wear, but the implant itself can outlast several prosthetic restorations.
Implant-supported dentures combine denture replacement with implant stability. Although the denture portion may need to be replaced every 8-12 years, the implants can remain viable for decades. These solutions usually provide more stability, easier chewing, less bone loss, and greater confidence than traditional removable dentures.
However, not everyone is automatically eligible for dental implants. Bone volume, medical considerations, and budget can all impact whether or not you’re a good candidate. A personalized consultation with a dental professional is the best way to figure out which option is the right one for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dentures last longer than 10 years?
Some people do, but generally most need to be re-evaluated around 7-10 years as the fit and aesthetics start to decline.
How long do immediate dentures last before I need permanent ones?
Immediate dentures are worn 6-12 months while your gums heal, then they usually get replaced or relined with permanent dentures or implant-supported options.
Do upper and lower dentures last the same amount of time?
Both follow the 5-10 year guideline, but lower dentures often loosen faster due to more rapid bone loss and tongue movement.
Will my second set of dentures last as long as my first?
Later sets may not last as long as your first set as bone shrinks, though using more advanced materials and implant support can extend their lifespan.
Is there anything I can do if I want a longer-term solution than traditional dentures?
Yeah: you might want to consider dental implants, implant-supported dentures, or fixed bridges for longer durability, stability, and bone preservation.
