Are you missing one or several teeth? A denture is used to replace lost or missing teeth and can ensure that you are still able to smile with confidence.

Dentures can be full meaning that they replace all the teeth on either your upper or lower jaw or partial meaning that they will fill the spaces left by one or several missing teeth. Partial dentures are often secured with clasps which fit round your remaining teeth. This helps to make the denture more secure.

Dentures can either be made from acrylic or chrome cobalt metal. Your dentist will be able to advise on the best material for your denture depending on your oral health history.

Dentures can help you to eat and speak comfortably and help to improve confidence and self-esteem. Full dentures can help to support your face, plumping out your cheeks and lips. Partial dentures help to ensure that your remaining teeth do not become crooked or tilted as they move to take the space of the missing tooth

Treatment

Dentures are made over four or five appointments spaced a week to 10 days apart. The large number of appointments are to ensure that your custom-made dentures fit perfectly and by trying them in at every stage as the dental technician crafts them, ensures that your dentures will be comfortable to wear and will blend with your remaining teeth.

Dentures can be fitted as soon as teeth are removed. However, it is recommended that the initial denture is an acrylic one as this can then be relined to fit around any shrinkage of the gums which may happen in the months following extractions as the tooth sockets heal. It would then be possible to remake the denture in chrome once the gums have settled.

It is advisable that you wear your dentures constantly for the first few months. After this you should be able to take them out at night and they can be stored in a small amount of water to ensure that they do not warp and change shape.

Dentures if looked after well should last for several years. However, dentures will need to be relined and re-made over time because of expected normal wear and tear. It is important that if your dentures start to feel loose or ill-fitting that you see your dentist as this can cause gum irritations, as well as problems talking and eating. It is important dentures are replaced before they start to cause problems.

Denture Care

  1. Brush your dentures daily – be sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner, not toothpaste
  2. Soak your dentures daily – use a denture cleanser to remove more plaque and to disinfect your dentures
  3. Leave your dentures out at night – this helps to relieve any soreness and prevent infection
  4. Visit your dentist regularly – this ensures that your mouth remains healthy

Benefits of Dentures

Dentures restore the function of your teeth – dentures allow you to eat and speak normally

Dentures allow you to have a full and varied diet – no food will be off limits once you have your dentures

Dentures help to restore your confidence – if you are happier with your appearance, it will show through your increased confidence and self-esteem. This in turn can affect your personal and professional relationships, and help you lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

Dentures are long lasting – dentures can last from between 5-10 years, so can provide a cost-effective way of replacing your missing teeth