What Really Happens If You Wear Old Dentures for Too Long

As a dentist, I often meet patients who proudly tell me they’ve had the same dentures for 15 or even 20 years. While it’s great that they’ve been durable, dentures—like tires on a car—aren’t meant to last forever. Wearing them far beyond their intended lifespan can cause problems that go well beyond looks.

Here’s what I want every denture wearer to know.

1. Your Jawbone Shrinks, But Your Dentures Don’t

After you lose your natural teeth, the jawbone naturally shrinks over time. This process, called bone resorption, is normal—but your dentures don’t adjust on their own.

Result: Your dentures get looser and start to slip.
Risk: Constant rubbing leads to sore spots, inflammation, and even ulcerations.

2. Ill-Fitting Dentures Can Damage Your Gums

Old dentures often develop uneven pressure points as the fit changes. This can:

Cause gum irritation and redness
Lead to thickened, inflamed tissue (epulis fissuratum)
Increase your risk of fungal infections like denture stomatitis

3. Your Bite and Chewing Efficiency Decline

The teeth on dentures wear down over the years—just like real teeth. This means:

Less ability to chew tough or crunchy foods
Increased digestive issues from swallowing larger food particles
More strain on your jaw joints as you compensate for poor chewing

4. Facial Changes Can Become Permanent

As bone and gum tissue shrink, old dentures stop providing proper facial support. This can:

Cause sunken cheeks and deeper wrinkles around the mouth
Make your lower face appear shorter
Alter your smile so it no longer looks natural

5. Bacteria and Odor Problems Build Up

Even with good cleaning habits, old dentures can develop microscopic cracks and pores that harbor bacteria and fungus.

This can lead to chronic bad breath
Infections can develop, especially in people with weakened immune systems

6. The Longer You Wait, the Harder It Is to Fix

If bone loss and gum shrinkage are severe, making a new denture that fits well becomes more challenging. In some cases, patients need surgery or implant support to achieve a secure fit.

From My Chair to Yours

Dentures generally need to be evaluated every year and replaced every 5–7 years. Wearing the same set for too long might feel like saving money—but it can cost you your comfort, oral health, and even your facial appearance in the long run.

If your dentures are more than 7 years old, feel loose, or cause sore spots, it’s time for a dental check-up. A fresh set can restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Luckily for convenience you can safely buy dentures online today!