Dentures Specialist

How Long Will a Set of Dentures Last?

A set of dentures is manufactured to last several years, in most cases, the rest of the patient's life. Once the patient loses their natural teeth or has them pulled due to damage or decay, the use of dentures helps them to retain proper function within the mouth. Dentures are designed to fit snugly within the mouth allowing the patient to adequately use them to speak and chew their food. Dentures also add fullness to the face and help to maintain the alignment of the jaw. When a person's original teeth are removed, it can disrupt the alignment of the jaw and make it difficult to fully chew and break down their food. Dentures allow the patient the ability to function as normally as possible with a set of dentures that will last them the rest of their lives.

How are Dentures Fit Onto the Gums?

Dentures are fit to the gums in two different ways. The first way is to fit the dentures to the gums as soon as the natural teeth are removed, allowing the gums to heal according to the contours of the dentures. The other way is to form the dentures and then fit them into the mouth after the gum tissues have healed. Either way, the doctor takes precise measurements prior to to the creation of the dentures so that when they are placed in the mouth for the first time, they will be as close to a perfect fit as possible. The doctor may have to perform a few slight adjustments to ensure there are no rough edges and areas where the denture may injure the tissues.

When Should Dentures be Replaced?

Dentures that no longer fit properly or have been damaged in some way should be immediately taken to the dentist to see if they can be repaired. If the structure of the denture has not been compromised, the dentist may be able to repair it. Dentures that have small cracks or chips may be difficult to repair. When a denture is repaired it can leave small edges that may eventually rub against the tender gum tissues causing small lesions or sore spots. As a person ages, the gums may start to shrink causing dentures to slide or slip. If the gum deterioration is considerable enough that refitting the dentures will be difficult, it may be easier to create new dentures to take their place.