Dentures can be life-changing for those who’ve lost teeth by restoring your smile, your ability to chew, and your confidence. But unlike natural teeth, dentures won’t last forever.
How long do dentures last before they need to be replaced? The answer can depend on the type of denture (full vs. partial), the materials used, how well you care for them, and how your mouth changes.
In this article, we’ll look at what lifespan you can expect from your dentures and how to know when it’s time for a replacement.
Average Lifespan of Full vs. Partial
Dentures tend to last for several years, but not usually decades.
Full dentures replace all teeth in an arch and are said by many dentists to last 5 to 7 years before needing to be replaced. The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry found that full dentures often can function well up to about 10 years with proper care before device failure.
| Denture Type | Average Longevity | Failure Rate (by time) |
| Maxillary (upper) | ~10.3 years | 5% (≤2 yrs), 12% (5-6 yrs), 41% (≥10 yrs) |
| Mandibular (lower) | ~8.6 years | 5% (≤2 yrs), 12% (5-6 yrs), 41% (≥10 yrs) |
| Both (full set) | ~10.8 years | 5% (≤2 yrs), 12% (5-6 yrs), 41% (≥10 yrs) |
Partial dentures clip onto remaining teeth and, because of that, have a different life expectancy. Partials can last around 5 years, up to 8 years or more in some cases.
One reason partial dentures might need replacement sooner than full dentures is if the natural teeth they attach to undergo changes, like if those teeth get cavities, move to new positions, or need extraction. If any of those happen, then the partial will no longer fit.
It’s worth noting that these are averages, not absolute limits. In some cases, well taken care of dentures has been used for 15 or 20 years. But anything beyond 10 years is the exception, not the norm.
Why Don’t Dentures Last Forever?
It might seem strange that something made to replace teeth doesn’t last as long as real teeth. After all, with good care, our natural teeth can last a lifetime. But here’s why they have such a limited lifespan:
Materials Will Eventually Wear Down
Denture teeth are usually made of acrylic resin, and over years of chewing, this material will wear down.
Your Mouth Can Change
Once teeth are removed, the jawbone undergoes resorption (essentially, it slowly shrinks in height and width because it’s no longer needed to support teeth). You might notice you need more adhesive to keep it in, or that it “floats” a bit.
Small Damage Over Time is Going to Happen
Even if you’re extremely careful, the acrylic in dentures can develop tiny cracks or pores. Every time you clean or handle them, there’s slight stress, and over years, this can result in a fracture.
(Partial Dentures) Changes in Supporting Teeth
If you have a partial denture, part of its longevity depends on the health of your remaining natural teeth that it clasps onto.
Signs Your Dentures Need to Be Replaced
How do you know if your dentures are at the end of their road?
| Sign | What It Means | Possible Consequences | What to Do Next |
| Looseness or Poor Fit | Slipping, wobbling, loss of suction, needing to bite/clench to keep dentures in place. | Embarrassing movement, clicking, sore gums, poor chewing. | Try a reline; if it doesn’t help, get a replacement denture. |
| Sore Spots & Irritation | Red patches, pain, gum inflammation, or denture stomatitis from uneven fit or bacteria. | Chronic irritation, fungal infection, tissue damage. | Remove at night, clean thoroughly, and consider a new denture. |
| Difficulty Chewing & Speaking | Trouble eating certain foods, speech changes (whistle, lisp, slurring), collapsed bite. | Poor nutrition, jaw pain, aged facial appearance. | Reline or adjust your denture to try and get a better fit. |
| Visible Damage or Wear | Flat/discolored teeth, cracks, repeated repairs, worn look, jaw pain from poor bite. | Breakage risk, inefficient chewing, unattractive smile. | Replace with new dentures; repairs are only temporary. |
| It’s Been 5+ Years | Over 5 years of use, possible hidden fractures or wear. | Fit may decline; hidden damage can worsen unnoticed. | Get a fresh set of dentures. |
Now, needing a replacement doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong! Dentures just have a life cycle and it’s much better to replace proactively than to wait for an emergency (like a denture breaking in half right before an important event).
How Long Do Dentures Last if You Take Good Care of Them?
While you can’t make dentures last forever, good care can allow you to get the maximum lifespan out of them.
Clean Your Dentures Every Day
Dentures need to be cleaned every day, much like your natural teeth, since plaque and food particles can stick to them.
To clean them, remove your dentures and brush them with a soft denture brush or toothbrush while using a mild soap or denture cleanser.
Take Them Out and Soak Nightly
Dentists recommend you take your dentures out at night to give your mouth some time to relax without them.
When you take them out, soak them in water or a denture cleaning solution to keep them from drying out (acrylic can warp if not kept moist) and to help sanitize them.
Handle with Care
A surefire way to shorten a denture’s life is to drop it on a hard surface. When handling your dentures, do so over a folded towel or a sink filled with some water as a cushion, just in case they fall when cleaning them. Also, a great tip is to avoid using very hot water since high heat can warp the material.
Have a Backup Set of Dentures
Some denture wearers keep their previous dentures (if they’re not too badly worn) as a spare in case their current dentures break unexpectedly. That way, they’ve got something to wear while waiting for a new set. Even if the old one is a bit loose, it’s better than nothing!
Do You Need New Dentures?
How long do dentures last? Most will serve well for about 5 to 10 years.
Keeping up with device maintenance can allow you to get the most out of your dentures before needing a replacement.
But don’t feel bad when the time comes for a new set! A fresh set of dentures, made with the latest techniques and fitted to your now-current anatomy, can be as wonderful as the first set was, and often even better, since you now know exactly what you want and need.
When it’s time for new dentures, don’t settle for less. With Dental Lab Direct, you can order custom dentures, both full and partial, that are designed for YOU. Experience comfort, durability, and a natural look, without the middleman. Your new smile is only a few clicks away.
