Dentures and Dental Implants: Restoring Your Smile and Function
If you are missing some or all of your teeth, dentures are a reliable solution to restore function and esthetics. Thanks to advancements in dentistry, dental implants can now be used to give dentures greater stability and a more natural feel.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
The average life span of a denture is about five to ten years, depending on daily care and use.
Why Do Dentures Need to Be Replaced?
Dentures don’t last forever because they are exposed to constant chewing forces and natural bacteria in the mouth, which gradually wear them down.
Signs You May Need a New Denture
Watch for these common signs that it’s time to replace your denture:
- Cracks appearing in the denture base
- Missing denture teeth
- Stains that cannot be removed with a denture cleanser
Denture Relining vs. Denture Replacement
- Relining: A laboratory procedure that adjusts your denture for a closer fit to your gum arches.
- Replacing: When the ridge becomes too atrophied or worn, a new denture is often the better option.
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Dentures
- Soak dentures nightly in an ADA-approved denture cleanser
- Avoid chewing very hard foods such as peanut brittle
- Schedule regular dental visits for adjustments and checkups
Implant-Supported Dentures: A Modern Solution
Historically, traditional dentures provided only limited ability to eat and function. Today, with the support of dental implants, dentures can function with stability and comfort similar to natural teeth.
Ask Dr. Gerowitz, Dr. Loutfi, or Dr. Stern about how dental implants can be integrated with your dentures for a stronger, longer-lasting solution.