People wear dentures to replace lost or missing teeth so they can 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’.
Why should I wear dentures?
Full dentures, to replace all your own teeth, fit snugly over your gums. They will help you to eat comfortably and speak clearly, and will improve your confidence and self-esteem.
Partial dentures replace teeth that are missing, and can sometimes be supported by the teeth you have left. If you have gaps between your teeth, then your other teeth may move to take up some of the space, so you could end up with crooked or tilted teeth. This could affect the way you bite and could damage your other teeth.
Who will make and fit my denture?
Our Dental Team generally require 4 separate appointments. Your Dentist will take numerous measurements and impressions of your mouth, which will be sent to our Laboratory to be made. Once made our Reception Team will be in contact with you to arrange an appointment for your Dentist to fit them.
Will dentures make me look different?
Replacing lost or missing teeth is very good for your health and appearance. A complete or full denture replaces your natural teeth and gives support to your cheeks and lips. Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person look older and they will find it harder to eat and speak properly.
Dentures can be made to closely match your natural teeth so that your appearance hardly changes. Modern dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help to fill out the appearance of your face.
Will I be able to eat with dentures?
Having dentures that are a a good fit is an aid to digestion. Apple eating will take a little practice! Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly, using both sides of your mouth at the same time to stop the denture moving. As you become more used to your denture, add other foods until you get back to your normal healthy diet.
Will dentures change how I speak?
Pronouncing certain words may take practice. Reading out loud and repeating difficult words will help. If you find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile, reposition them by gently biting down and swallowing. If this happens a lot, contact our Reception Team and we will arrange for you to see a member of our Dental Team.
How long should I wear my dentures?
During the first few days, your Dentist may advise you to wear them for most of the time, including while you are asleep. After your mouth gets used to your dentures, your Dental Team may advise you to take them out before going to bed. This allows your gums to rest and helps keep your mouth healthy. When you remove your dentures at night, it is best to store them in a small amount of water to stop them warping.
My upper denture fits fine, so why am I having problems with my lower one?
The upper denture usually has much more suction to hold it in place. There is much less gum support in the lower jaw, so the lower denture may feel more wobbly because it has to be balanced between your cheeks and your tongue. After a little while you will learn the shape of your new denture and how to keep it in place, even when you open your mouth wide.
Do I need to do anything special to care for my mouth?
Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning and evening, brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft brush. This removes plaque and helps the blood circulation in your mouth. If you wear partial dentures, it is even more important that you brush your teeth thoroughly every day. This will help stop tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to you losing more of your teeth.
How do I take care of my dentures?
Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them.
To clean your denture, the general rule is: brush, soak and brush again. Brush your dentures before soaking them, to help remove any bits of food. Using an effervescent (fizzy) denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher – always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Then brush the dentures again, as you would your own teeth. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface.
We advise using warm soapy water and a small- to medium-headed toothbrush. Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which fits against your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative. If you notice a build-up of stains or scale, have your denture cleaned by our Dental Team.
How often should I see my dentist?
Regular dental check-ups and having your teeth professionally cleaned are very important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Regular visits allow our Dental Team to check the soft parts of your mouth, including your tongue and cheeks. These examinations are important so that the Dental Team can spot any infections, mouth conditions or even mouth cancer at the earliest stages. If you have a full denture, check with our Dental Team about how often you should visit.
With regular professional care, a positive attitude and persistence, you can become one of the millions of people who wear their dentures with a smile.