Dentures

Dentures




Dentures are removable false teeth made of acrylic (plastic) or metal. They fit over the gums to replace missing teeth and eliminate potential problems caused by gaps. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause problems with eating and speech, and teeth either side of the gap may grow into the space at an angle. You may therefore need either:

 

  • Complete dentures, which replace all of your upper or lower teeth
  • Partial dentures, which replace just one or a few missing teeth

 

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Complete Dentures

A full denture would be fitted if all your upper and or lower teeth need to be removed, are missing already, or you are having an old set of dentures replaced.

The denture is fitted as soon as your teeth are removed, which means you won’t ever be without teeth. The denture fits over your gums and jawbone.

Your dentist will take impressions (moulds) of your mouth and send them to the dental lab where they will be made into wax bite blocks. A trial denture will be created from the impressions that are taken of your mouth. The dentist will try this in your mouth to assess the fit and for you to assess the appearance. The colour and shape may be adjusted before the final denture is produced. Dentures normally take four visits to complete.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth in a mouth that still has some natural teeth remaining. They help restore the function and appearance of the mouth by filling in gaps caused by lost teeth. Partial dentures are typically made from a combination of materials like acrylic, metal, or nylon, and they are custom-made to fit the patient's mouth, attaching to the remaining teeth using clasps or precision attachments.

Looking after your dentures

Dentures will feel a bit strange to begin with, but you’ll soon get used to wearing them.

At first you may need to wear your dentures all the time, including whilst you sleep. Your dentist will advise you as to whether you should remove your dentures before you go to sleep.

It is necessary to remove your dentures at night unless advised otherwise by your dentist. By doing this you are allowing your gums to breath and rest as you sleep. When you remove them, they should be kept moist – for example, in water or in a suitable overnight denture cleaning solution – to stop the denture material from drying out and altering in shape.

  • Dental hygiene

    Keeping your mouth clean is just as important when you wear dentures. You should brush your remaining teeth, gums and tongue every morning and evening with fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems.

  • Cleaning dentures

    It’s important to clean your dentures daily to remove plaque and food deposits, as unclean dentures can also lead to problems such as oral thrush, tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease.

    • Brush them with toothpaste before soaking in water overnight.
    • Soak the dentures in denture-cleaning solution to remove stains and bacteria (read the instructions first).

    Dentures may break if you drop them, so you should clean them over a bowl or sink filled with water, or something soft such as a folded towel.

  • Eating with dentures

    When you first start wearing dentures, you should eat soft foods cut into small pieces.


    Avoid chewing gum and any food that is sticky, hard or sharp-edged.


    You can gradually start to eat other types of food until you are back to your old diet. Never use toothpicks.

  • Denture adhesive

    You shouldn’t need to use denture fixative (adhesive) if the dentures fit properly. 


    However, if your jawbone has shrunk a lot, adhesive may be the only way to help retain them. Your dentist will advise you if this is the case.


    Adhesive can be removed from the denture by brushing with soap and water. Any adhesive left in the mouth may need to be removed with some damp kitchen roll or a clean damp cloth.

Dental Examination

You should continue to see your dentist regularly if you have dentures, even if you have complete dentures, so they can check for any problems.

Dentures should last for several years if you take good care of them. However, your gums and jawbone will eventually shrink, which means the dentures may not fit as well as they used to and can become loose, or they may become worn.

You should make an appointment with your dentist if:
  • Your dentures click when you are talking
  • Your dentures tend to slip, or you feel they no longer fit properly
  • Your dentures feel uncomfortable
  • Your dentures are visibly worn
  • You have signs of gum disease or tooth decay, such as bleeding gums or bad breath
If poorly fitting or worn dentures are not replaced, they can cause great discomfort and lead to mouth ulcers, infections or problems with eating and speech.

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