Many older adults do rely on dentures, but the percentage who wear full or partial dentures has declined in recent decades. Here’s a quick look at some key facts and statistics on denture use among seniors:
What percentage of seniors have dentures?
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 24% of adults aged 65 and older had complete tooth loss in 2010. That figure is down significantly from the 46% of seniors who had complete tooth loss in the 1950s.
When looking at both full and partial dentures, 36% of adults 65 and over had dentures in 2010. Again, that number has declined – in the 1950s, 64% of seniors wore dentures.
How many seniors have full dentures vs partial dentures?
Of the 36% of seniors with dentures in 2010:
- 24% had complete tooth loss and full dentures
- 12% had partial dentures
So around two-thirds of seniors with dentures opt for full dentures, while one-third have partials.
Does denture use increase with age?
Yes, denture use does tend to increase with age, as more seniors lose some or all of their natural teeth over time. Consider these statistics:
- Among adults aged 65-74, 27% had dentures
- Among adults aged 75-84, 39% had dentures
- Among adults 85 and older, 45% had dentures
So while denture use has declined overall, nearly half of seniors 85+ still rely on them.
Does denture use differ by gender?
Interestingly, denture use is more common among older women than men. In 2010:
- 41% of women 65+ had dentures
- 28% of men 65+ had dentures
The reasons for this gender gap are not entirely clear. Some experts suggest women may be more likely to seek dental care and choose dentures to replace missing teeth.
Has denture use decreased over time?
Yes, as noted above, the percentage of seniors with dentures has declined significantly since the 1950s. Some factors behind this trend include:
- Improved dental care and prevention – More seniors are keeping their natural teeth longer.
- Advances in partial dentures – Newer options allow some missing teeth to be replaced while keeping remaining teeth.
- Dental implants – Implants provide a fixed alternative to removable dentures for some.
So while dentures remain common among the elderly, more seniors today have options to avoid complete tooth loss.
Conclusion
In summary, about a quarter of seniors have full dentures and another 12% wear partial dentures. Denture use increases with age and is more prevalent among older women. The percentage of older adults with dentures has decreased over the past few decades, but they remain a reality for millions of seniors.