You’ve been missing most of your teeth for months now, and you’re getting fed up with it. You’re having trouble eating your favorite chewy and crunchy foods. Even smiling is almost an impossibility because your self-confidence has plummeted these past few months. Luckily, you were able to set up an appointment to get dentures. But how long can you expect them to last? Read more to find out.
Because dentures are made from artificial materials, they generally do not deteriorate with time in the way that your natural teeth do. Rather, dentures need replacing because the mouth changes. When you have been suffering through tooth loss, your jawbone begins to atrophy because it no longer receives stimulation from your tooth roots. This causes your jaw, and the gum tissue on top of it, to change shape with time. As a result, your dentures should be adjusted or replaced by your dentist every five to ten years.
While dentures are not built to last forever, there are some steps you can take to keep them in good condition and maximize their lifespan. Some of those things include:
Handle them with care. To avoid accidentally dropping them, only handle them when standing over a towel or a sink full of water.
Brush and rinse them daily, but don’t use toothpaste, as that can be abrasive. Instead, just use a soft-bristled brush. Brushing your dentures helps avoid staining and plaque buildup that can cause gum infections.
Soak them in denture cleanser when you’re not wearing them, usually at night, in addition to brushing them. Only buy cleansing products with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval on them.
Alternatively, you could soak your dentures in a glass of water. Only use lukewarm water at most, never hot water. Using hot water could warp the plastic and cause your dentures to not fit correctly.
Brush your tongue, gums, and palate (the roof of your mouth) with a soft-bristled toothbrush every morning before placing your dentures in. This will prevent germs from accumulating in your mouth and wreaking havoc.
Dentures normally last about five to ten years, on average. Take good care of them to avoid having to replace them even sooner than that.