How Often Should Dentures Be Replaced?

One of the first things that people notice when meeting other people is their smile. When someone loses her teeth, it can have a detrimental effect on her self-esteem. Dentures do more than give a person a pretty smile. They help shape the mouth, bringing life back into a sagging face.

There are three types of dentures: Conventional Full Denture, Immediate Full Denture and Partial Denture.

Conventional full dentures are for people who have had all of their teeth extracted. There is usually a healing period of several months before conventional full dentures are placed into the mouth.

Immediate full dentures are placed inside a person's mouth immediately after the final extraction of the last tooth. Measurements and molds are made in advance during prior dental visits. Immediate full denture wearers should return to their dentist for another fitting months after the immediate full dentures are placed, because the jawbone can change shape during that time.

Partial dentures rest on metal wires that are attached to your natural teeth. Many people prefer partial dentures, because they are removable, whereas bridges are not.

With time and practice, a denture wearer can become used to his new mouth. A person's face muscles and tongue get used to the new additions, as well.

Dentures should be examined at least once a year. This determines how long dentures should last, and how often should the dentures be replaced. Because of normal wear and tear and aging, dentures should be remade, relined and rebased as often as a dentist deems necessary.