It depends on the type of denture. If you have complete dentures, then they should be renewed every 4-5 years. Your gums continue to shrink and change in shape after you have your teeth extracted. The dentures do not change with your gums, therefore it is necessary to have new dentures periodically.

2. I have very bad teeth and my dentist has advised that they all need to come out but I don't want to be without any teeth while the dentures are made. Is it possible to have some false teeth straight after having my natural teeth extracted?

Yes it is possible to have dentures fitted on the same day as you have your teeth extracted, however, as soon as the teeth are extracted your gums shrink. The shrinkage is very rapid for the first few months and as a result your dentures will become loose very quickly. The gum shrinkage slows down 3- 6 months post extraction and at that stage you may need new dentures or have your existing dentures tightened.

3. I wear upper false teeth but they keep breaking repeatedly, is there anything that can be done to prevent this happening again?

It may be necessary for you to have a denture with a metal palate. This is stronger but because it is heavier it may be a bit looser.

4. I have been wearing dentures for a long time. Now I require a new set and have tried several new sets but each time I cannot get used to them. What can be done?

If you have worn the same set of dentures for a long time, they probably don't fit your gums. The new dentures will be designed to fit your gums as they are now, and are more likely to be a better fit. However the new dentures won't feel as comfortable as the old ones for some time. Your mouth will be used to the shape and position of the old dentures. The muscles in your mouth will need to learn to control the new dentures and this will take some time. Your mouth needs to get used to the new shape and position of the teeth. It may be possible to copy many of features of the old dentures into your new denture that will make adjusting to them easier.

5. How can I have false teeth that don't look so false?

False teeth can be made to look very natural with different stains and effects. You can even have fillings put into false teeth and no one will be able to guess that you have false teeth.

6. I wear complete dentures so how often should I have a check up?

A Your mouth should be examined at least once a year, however you dentist may recommend more regular visits.

7. What should I use to clean my false teeth?

The best and safest method is to use soap and water with a nailbrush. You can use mild bleaches such as steradent but bleach can discolor the pink acrylic.

8. My dentures are very loose, what can I do?

You may need to have new dentures as your gums will have shrunk and the dentures are no longer a good fit. Therefore you need to have an examination at the dentist and he will be able to advise you whether your dentures can be tightened or if you need new dentures. If it is not possible to make your dentures any tighter you may get some help by using dental fixatives.