Why do I need my mouth checked regularly if I don’t have any teeth?

The average life expectancy of a denture is 7-10 years. Although the denture is likely to last considerably longer than this, the shape of your mouth will have changed and an older denture can harbour bacteria that may cause oral health problems.

Your denture is in use for most of the 24 hours of every day, and needs regular servicing if it is to function at its best. Throughout life the jawbones change in shape. They tend to shrink, which results in an alteration of the “bite”. This causes a loss of chewing efficiency, a loss of appearance, loosening of the denture, and general discomfort of the mouth.

These changes can be rectified, but if left too long rehabilitation becomes very difficult. The rate of change depends on age, health and many other factors. Therefore, it varies from person to person.