Songpa-gu Dental Clinic - How Many Years Is It Normal to Use Dentures?

Hello. I am Shin Seung-hwan, the chief director of Yonsei Uline Dental Clinic, Garak-dong branch, located near Garak Market Station in Garak-dong, Songpa-gu.

A commenter asked about denture lifespan and care. They said their dentures had been used for less than two years, but the dentures had come apart and the bonded area had detached, and they wanted to know what to do in such a case.

First of all, an accurate judgment is only possible after seeing the actual condition. A detached bonding area may simply mean that the adhesive has come loose, but it may also be a problem caused by continuing to use the dentures after they have become deformed.

If the dentures are deformed, using them as they are is, of course, not a good idea, and they may need repair or remaking. However, whether they can be repaired or must be remade can only be determined after an actual examination.

In general, whether for partial dentures or complete dentures, the average period of use is about 4 to 5 years. Of course, this period varies depending on the individual's oral condition, usage habits, and care methods.

Usually, after that much time has passed, reasons arise for replacing the dentures. One typical reason is that the dentures gradually become loose.

Because the gums and bone are naturally resorbed over time, dentures that initially fit well can gradually lift or wobble.

Another issue is wear of the denture teeth. If the teeth wear down a lot and become flat, food will not be chewed properly.

It may be easier to understand if you think of a mortar used for pounding garlic: its rough, uneven surface makes crushing easier, whereas if it is flat, food does not get ground up well. Dentures are the same.

For these reasons, depending on the condition, some dentures are remade entirely, while others are used after repair or adjustment in the middle of use, even if the usage period has not yet reached 4 to 5 years and the discomfort is not severe.

However, because whether repair is possible or not differs depending on the shape and structure of the dentures, this, too, is most accurately determined by a direct examination.

Another frequently asked question is about denture cleaning and hygiene management. Even if you are not eating a full meal and only having snacks, many people wonder whether the dentures should be cleaned each time.

To get to the point, even if you did not eat a full meal, if food has entered the mouth, denture care is necessary.

Even people with natural teeth have food left between the teeth, but for denture wearers, food enters more easily into the inside of the dentures or through gaps.

So after meals, of course, and even after snacks, it is best to rinse them clean at least once.

If you are eating at home and have time, it is best not to stop at simply rinsing. Remove the dentures and clean them thoroughly using the proper cleaning method.

If you think about it, you would not keep using the same spoon from breakfast for lunch and dinner, right? Dentures are the same.

Basically, think of them as a dining tool, and managing them carefully after every meal will greatly help you use dentures for a long time and comfortably. This has been Yonsei Uline Dental Clinic in Garak-dong, Songpa-gu.