This treatment is a valuable solution for replacing lost or missing teeth and offers significant benefits for your health, allowing you to enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence.

Dentures are made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. A ‘complete’ or ‘full’ denture is one, which replaces all the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. A ‘partial’ denture fills in the spaces left by lost or missing teeth. It may be fastened to your natural teeth with metal clasps or ‘precision attachments’.

The base of a denture is called a plate and can be made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. The teeth are normally made of acrylic and can be made to match your natural teeth. This is especially important in the case of partial dentures. More aesthetic options are also available.

A complete denture, replacing all your own teeth, fit snugly over your gums. Whilst improving the appearance of the teeth, the dentures also provide check and lip support, helping to correct sagging facial muscles.

Our dentists will guide you through the process to ensure your dentures look natural, fit comfortably and you regain the confidence of a smile.

Will it be obvious that I have dentures?

Dentures can be made to closely match your natural teeth so that your appearance hardly changes. Dentures may improve the look of your smile. Denture wearers often prefer to use a denture fixative to give more confidence that the denture is secure. This is fine, but if you find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile, consult your dentist, as your dentures may need adjusting or relining.

How soon can I have a denture after my teeth are extracted?

Normally dentures can be fitted straight after your teeth have been removed. These are called ‘immediate dentures’. Therefore you don’t have to be without teeth while your gums are healing. However, bone and gums can shrink over time, especially during the first six months after your teeth have been taken out. If your gums shrink, your immediate dentures may need replacing orrequire adjusting. We will advise you as required.

Sometimes we may advise you to wait until your gums are healed before having your dentures, as this can sometimes provide a better fit. Healing may take a few months.

What is involved?

Denture treatments require 5-6 appointments. See below a typical example of the process and steps involved:

1. We will take impressions of your mouth and send these on to our trusted dental laboratory. The dental technician will create a model for your denture.
2. The next step involves the use of modelling wax to construct the denture and determine the correct positioning of teeth. We will also advise you on the shape of your dentures, allow you to select the colour of teeth to achieve a natural look.
3. The wax model is tested for fit, teeth positioning and bite. The laboratory will now create the pink gum coloured plastic denture.
4. A fitting will now take place to ensure you are comfortable and happy, and check the bite and fit of the denture is suitable.
5. A follow up session is always a good idea to check how you are getting along with the dentures, and any necessary adjustments can be made to improve comfort and fit.

How long do I wear my dentures for?

For the first few days we advise you wear your dentures for most of the day and night. Once your mouth gets used to the dentures, it is advisable to remove them at night in order to give your gums a rest and keep you mouth healthy.

How do I take care of my dentures?

Dentures may break if you drop them! So always clean them over a bowl of water or a folded cloth. The general method for cleaning your dentures is “brush, soak and brush”. First brush them to remove any food debris. Next use an effervescent denture cleaner to help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher; follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Then brush your dentures again, as you would your own teeth, being careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface. Make sure you also clean the surface, which touches your gums.

How long will my dentures last?

Dentures should last several years. If they become loose or ill fitting consult your dentist, as they may need to be relined or re-made. Otherwise they may become uncomfortable and may cause ulcers or infections.

Is there an alternative to dentures?

Yes! You may be able to have dental implants, provided your jawbone is healthy and thick enough. If you only have a small gap, as a result of one or possibly two missing teeth, you may be able to fill the gap with a bridge. Your dentist will discuss alternative treatments with you.

For more information regarding this treatment

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