Every patient’s denture needs are different, but a dentist generally takes the following factors into account when evaluating the necessity to replace a denture:
Vertical dimension: Unique to each person, the linear distance between the upper jaw and the lower jaw is called the “vertical dimension.” A dentist physically measures this distance on a patient in a relaxed, upright posture between two dots placed on the patient: one on the tip of their nose and the other on their chin. In the years following the loss of natural teeth, the jawbone both changes shape and shrinks, which may cause the patient’s nose and chin to become closer and their dentures to become loose. Since this loss of vertical dimension is a slow, but progressive, phenomenon, the patients may have gradually adapted to their changing condition.
Outward signs of the loss of vertical dimension may include: A shrunken, hollow facial appearance, pronounced witches chin or discomfort in the TMJ joints.
Relining the denture may correct the situation. The dentist would add extra pink denture plastic to the inside of a loose denture to regain stability. Unfortunately, relining does not predictably and accurately restore the patient’s optimal vertical dimension. More advance loss in the vertical dimension generally requires the construction of a new complete denture.
Tooth wear: Excess wear of the denture teeth contributes to problems associated with lost vertical dimension and chewing function.
Deterioration of denture materials: The deterioration, wear, and dimensional changes that happen over time will eventually require a denture replacement. Aging pink denture plastic loses its natural appearance, making it look artificial. Deteriorating denture plastics may also become excessively contaminated with microorganisms, which may contribute to mouth irritations, bad tastes, and socially unacceptable odors.
Dentures should typically be replaced every four to eight years for optimal condition and oral health. Replacing a complete denture is usually due to: Deterioration of the materials used to construct the dentures or irreversible changes in the contour of the patient’s jaws that impact their denture’s fit.
