Dentures (full, partial, or implant-supported) improve chewing, speech, and confidence. But they are not permanent: your mouth changes over time, and dentures also go through everyday wear and tear.

Quick answer
• Average lifespan: often 5 to 8 years, more or less depending on fit, maintenance, and changes in your mouth.
• Reline / rebase: often helpful to restore comfort without replacing the entire denture.
• Watch for: a denture that feels loose, causes pain, or is worn or broken.

How long does a denture last?
With proper care, many patients wear their dentures for several years. Some clinical references suggest an average lifespan of about 5 to 8 years with appropriate maintenance.

Other professional organizations indicate that a removable denture often lasts around 5 years on average, and that periodic relining helps maintain a good fit.

Why does this vary?
Because longevity depends on several factors, including:
• the quality of the materials and workmanship
• the type of denture (full, partial, implant-supported)
• daily care
• changes in the gums and bone (resorption), which affect the fit
• your habits (clenching, diet, accidental drops, etc.)
• changes in your overall health

Why can a denture that used to fit well become uncomfortable?
Even if the denture itself does not “shrink,” the tissues underneath it change over time (gums and bone), which can reduce retention and stability. This is one of the common reasons why adjustments, a reline, or sometimes a new denture may be recommended.

Signs it is time for an adjustment… or a replacement
Book a consultation if you notice:
• your denture clicks when you speak
• it slips, moves, or no longer fits the way it used to
• it causes pain or irritation
• it is worn or damaged (crack, loose tooth, breakage)
• you have persistent bad breath or very red or bleeding gums

👉 Good to know: sometimes a reline is enough to restore comfort and stability without remaking the entire denture.

How to extend the life of your dentures (for real)

1) Clean them every day (without abrasives)
• Brush your dentures morning and night using mild soap or a suitable denture cleaner.
• Avoid toothpaste: it can damage the surface.

2) Remove them at night (unless advised otherwise)
Taking your denture out at night helps with hygiene and gives the tissues a chance to rest.

3) Handle them over a towel or a sink filled with water
A fall is a common cause of breakage: clean and handle your dentures over a “cushioned” surface.

4) Soak them and avoid heat
Keep the denture moist (in water or soaking solution) and avoid hot water, which can warp certain materials.

5) Keep up with regular follow-ups and relines at the right time
Some recommendations suggest a reline or rebase every 1 to 2 years, or as soon as the fit changes.

Broken denture: what to do (and what to avoid)
• Do not try to repair it yourself: you could make it impossible to fix properly.
• Keep all the pieces and have the denture assessed to see whether it can be repaired. The NHS also recommends bringing in all the pieces if a denture breaks.
• At the clinic, in most cases, repairs can be done on site while you wait, depending on the type of damage.

Need a denturist in Laval?
Benoit Viau, Denturist (graduated in denturism in 1997) offers services related to dentures, adjustments, relines/rebases, cleaning/polishing, and repairs.

Address: 3030 Le Carrefour Blvd., Suite M-102, Laval, Quebec H7T 2P5
Phone: (450) 978-3368 (Benoit Viau, Denturist)
Hours: Mon–Thu 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (available after 5 p.m. by appointment); Fri 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

FAQ

Is it normal for a denture to become loose?
Yes. Your mouth changes over time, which can affect the fit.

How often should a reline be considered?
Often every 1–2 years, or as soon as comfort or stability changes.

When should a denture be replaced?
When it is worn, broken, uncomfortable, or no longer stays in place despite adjustments.

Can a broken denture be repaired?
Often yes, but avoid DIY repairs and have it assessed by a professional.