How Long Do Dental Prosthetics Last?
How Long Do Dental Prosthetics Last?
If you have missing or damaged teeth, or are experiencing other issues with your mouth or jaw, you may require prosthodontics. Prosthodontics is a specialist field of dentistry which uses fixed and removable dental restorations - called dental prosthetics - to improve the appearance and function of your teeth.
There are many different types of dental prosthetics, including fixed prosthetics such as implants and crowns, and removable prosthetics such as dentures and orthodontic aligners. In this article, we’re taking a look at how long different types of dental prosthetics last and what you can do to maximise their lifespan.
How long do fixed dental prosthetics last?
Fixed prosthetics refer to artificial restorations such as dental crowns, bridges and implants. These devices are designed to replace your original teeth and are fixed in place, meaning they don’t need to be removed for cleaning.
However, fixed prosthetics still require a lot of care - and how well you do this will determine how long they last.
Dental implants can last indefinitely, provided you have regular dental health checkups and practice good oral hygiene at all times.
The longevity of crowns and bridges will depend on the health of the teeth and gums they’re connected to. As crowns and bridges are used to replace teeth which have already been lost or damaged, the remaining support teeth are likely to develop issues eventually.
Depending on the health of the remaining teeth, crowns and bridges can last for ten years or more.
How long do removable dental prosthetics last?
Removable prosthetics include dentures, orthodontic aligners, and mouthguards. As their name suggests, they are able to be removed, which can be for cleaning or when they are no longer required.
Dentures are used to replace either a full set of teeth (full dentures) or some of the teeth (partial dentures). In cases where all teeth are removed for full dentures, the jawbone may shrink for the first few years, which means the first set of dentures will usually need to be replaced after around seven years.
Orthodontic aligners - such as Invisalign®, which uses clear removable aligners to straighten teeth - need to be replaced regularly as your teeth move into position.
Retainers, which are worn after treatment is complete, are more long-lasting; with proper care, most retainers will only need replacing after approximately two years.
If you need to wear a mouthguard to assist with a condition like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or teeth grinding, these can last from five to ten years depending on the severity of your condition.
How can I make my dental prosthetics last longer?
Just like your teeth, the better you take care of your dental prosthetics, the longer they’ll last. Check with your National Dental Care Group practitioner about the correct cleaning procedure for your prosthetics and ensure you continue to practice good oral hygiene. Smoking, which is bad for gum health, can also impact the longevity of your prosthetics.
If you need information or advice on taking care of your dental prosthetics to ensure they last as long as possible, talk to your dentist - you can book an appointment online with your local National Dental Care Group practice today.