Most dentists will tell you that denture last anywhere between 5 and 10 years. But how can you tell when it’s time for new dentures? Dentures that fit well will not only improve quality of life, but can also enhance eating and speaking as well as improving your looks. Talk to your dentist or dental assistant about the condition of your current dentures to see if they think it’s time for you to replace your old dentures with new dentures.

Typically, the life expectancy of false teeth is some time from 5 to 10 years and on average about seven years. There are a number of factors that have an effect on the fulfillment and life span of false teeth including denture repair and cleaning, tobacco and caffeine use, as well as general health status. Other factors affecting the life of your dentures include the amount of time since loss of teeth, the shape of your mouth and changes in facial or oral musculature structure, and even cases when there has been significant weight change. One indication of when it is necessary to change dentures is a loss or change in colour of dentures, surrounding teeth and even the facial skin.

Like any other manufactured good, dentures too require frequent maintenance and eventually need to be replaced. In order to maintain functionality, appearance and proper fit, and to avoid any harm to your jaws and oral structure, frequent check-ups are a must. To make sure that your dentures are in working order and are not at risk of causing permanent damage, a prosthodontist should regularly evaluate your false teeth and assess your situation. Over time and with age, the gums and bone tissue, which provide support for dentures, may undergo gradual changes which can affect the way your dentures work and fit in your mouth. Commonly, the changes that take place over time include gradual amounts of bone shrinkage.

Since dentures are needed on a daily basis and are constantly in use multiple years, it is a reasonable and common thing to periodically replace dentures that no longer fit or function properly. If you have had your dentures for more than 5 years and are noticing slips and discomfort as well as change in colour, it may be time to replace them. Frequent visits to a denturist will help you better determine when it is time for new dentures.