How Long Dentures May Last

Dentures can be the perfect solution for missing one or multiple teeth. After all, your smile says a lot about you. The first thing a new acquaintance may notice about you is your teeth, and you want that first impression to be a pleasant one. Dentures can help restore your smile, but it's important that you take care of them so that they last for several years. 

You could lose one or more teeth throughout your lifetime for several reasons. You may have a medical condition that requires medication that causes your teeth to break down, or you may have suffered an accident or injury to your face which caused tooth loss. Regardless of why you may need to replace missing teeth, you now have an alternative option in keeping that confident smile. Dentures have helped many people just like you get back their confidence and function. 

What are dentures?

This type of tooth replacement is a very economical and popular choice for many patients. These replacements can be taken in and out of the mouth. They are easy to clean and manage and make your everyday life more enjoyable. Once you are fitted and have them in place, there is no doubt that they will take some time to get used to. In time, you will easily accept them as part of you and get a routine in place to keep them in top shape. With today's advanced technology, they look more natural than they ever have before, and you will love the confidence boost you get from them. 

How long will they last?

Your false teeth are made from sturdy materials and fitted in your mouth by making an impression of your gums. If taken care of properly, they will last up to ten years or more. You may have to have them relined or rebased at some point in between. This becomes necessary if you notice them slipping around in your mouth or if they have been dropped, cracked, or broken. However, it's how you care for them that will ultimately decide how long they last. 

Most problems with them are usually fixable, and there shouldn't be a need for an entirely new set of dentures in less than seven years. Always follow any recommendations your dentist has on how to care for them. Make sure you keep your routine dentist appointments and schedule additional appointments as needed for any maintenance care. These visits are when your dentist can check for any damage to your replacement teeth, and they can also be sure they are still fitting securely in your mouth. 

Some patients will develop sores inside their mouths. This is usually due to not fitting properly, and they may be moving around too much inside your mouth. If this happens to you, please let your dentist know right away. This is typically not a sign of wear and tear, but instead a sign of improper fit. The only way to remedy this is by having an adjustment done by your dentist. 

Should I sleep with them on?

Your dentist will be the first to tell you that you should not sleep with your artificial teeth in place. At night, bacteria can lay, form, and grow inside your mouth, which is a very unhealthy practice and can cause some oral health issues. You should take them out before bed and properly clean them, so they are ready to insert when you wake up. Always discuss any issue with your dentist that you may have about your replacements. They are the best source on the subject. They will give you the appropriate tips on making them last as long as possible. 

It's a good idea to establish a routine for cleaning and storing your artificial teeth, as recommended by your dentist. Having a routine in place ensures that you follow proper cleaning protocols and that your dentures are kept safe when you aren't wearing them. Doing these simple things helps keeps your dentures looking and functioning their best for as long as possible. 

Schedule an appointment

The life of dentures depends on a variety of factors. However, one of the most commonly underestimated issues is the lack of routine care and maintenance. There are many small steps you can take to keep your false teeth at their best. If you have dentures, call today to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can help identify small issues before they threaten your comfort or the lifespan of your dentures. 

Request an appointment here: https://princewilliamdental.com or call Prince William Dental at (703) 662-8287 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.

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