A study from the Canadian Dental Association shows that only 6.4% of Canadians have no teeth (are edentulous).
However, we know you don't have to lose all your teeth to be an excellent candidate for dentures. Whether you need to replace a few missing teeth or are edentulous, dentures are ideal for those who want an affordable solution, something removable, or have too much gum damage to support other treatments.
How dentures work is by using false teeth that fit onto your gums to replace missing teeth and eliminate problems with speaking and eating that gaps can cause.
But how long will your dentures last? Let's dive in to find out.
Life Expectancy of Dentures
While there are many benefits of dentures, they do require regular care and maintenance just like natural teeth. The denture life expectancy depends on which type of dentures you have and how well you care for them.
Full dentures, which replace all your upper or lower teeth, typically last for five to ten years.
Partial dentures, which only replace one tooth or several missing teeth, have a maximum lifespan of 15 years. But you may need a replacement before then if your mouth changes, causing an improper fit.
Immediate dentures are the dentures you wear immediately after the dentist removes your natural teeth. They are used during the healing process and in conjuction with soft, temporary liners. These dentures will have a permanent reline or rebase done after your healing period. They will then go on to last as long as any other denture.
Snap-on dentures are another form of temporary denture device that only lasts 12 to 18 months. Due to the continuous snapping, the overdenture attachments quickly wear out. As a result, you will experience looseness and lessened snap retention. They are the least durable dentures.
Extending Your Denture's Lifespan
Because dentures don't last forever, you must take steps to ensure they last as long as possible. The easiest thing you can do is practice routine denture maintenance. This includes the following:
· Brush dentures at least once a day
· Perform denture care after every meal
· See your denturist every six months-one year for checkups
· Soak your dentures for at least 20 minutes per day in denture cleaning solution
Signs You Should Replace Your Dentures
Inevitably, at some point, you will need to replace your dentures. Here are some signs you may need a replacement:
· The denture is broken or chipped
· The denture is ill-fitting
· Your jawbone has changed
Schedule an Appointment in Victoria Today
Dentures are a great dental solution for those missing teeth. However, their lifespan is significantly shorter than dental implants, especially when not cared for properly.
If you need to consult a denturist about your denture in Victoria, you can set an appointment with our skilled team at Postings Denture Clinics. We can assess any issues with your current dentures, get you fitted for new dentures, or explore other dental solutions.