How do your dentures feel? Are they snug? Do they stay in your mouth properly, without sliding around? And are you able to chew properly? What about your appearance–are you happy with what you look like in the mirror?
If you answered “no” to any of the above questions, you may be in need of a denture replacement. Sadly, most people keep their dentures too long.
People Hold on to Dentures a Long Time
It turns out that people continue to use their dentures for a long time after their expected functional life has passed. According to the most recent survey, the average age of dentures worn by Americans was about 17.6. And since then, some figures indicate that people may be holding on to their dentures even longer, perhaps an average of 20 years!
This is in part because people seem to expect that this is how long dentures should last. In truth, though, dentures are not intended to be used for such a long time frame.
How Long Dentures Should Last
Dentures are designed to be long-lasting, but this doesn’t mean they last as long as your natural teeth. Typically, dentures should last about five to eight years. Once your dentures reach this age, they may show bad signs of wear. They may fit very poorly, may be worn down, and may even contribute to soreness in your mouth.
How to Make Dentures Last
The good news is that there are many things you can do to extend the lifetime of your dentures. First, get quality dentures to begin with. Better materials, better design, and better fit will all make your dentures last longer.
Second, follow recommended care guidelines. Treating your dentures poorly, such as wearing them at night (when they might get stressed or worn by bruxism) or using homemade denture soaks, can damage dentures.
Third, make regular visits to your dentist to get them checked out. During a visit, your dentist can evaluate the state of your dentures and identify points where your denture might be suffering excessive wear or stress. At this point, minor fixes might prevent damage that can lead to early replacement of dentures.
Getting your dentures refitted regularly is important, too. Poorly fitting dentures can not only damage your dentures, but lead to excessive jawbone loss, which can make dentures fit even worse and put you at risk for a broken jawbone.
If you are looking for quality dentures that are designed to last, please contact a FOY® Dentures dentist near you.
