Why might I need dentures?

If you are missing several teeth or a full arch of your teeth, dentures can be used to replace the function and appearance of your natural teeth. If you would like a removable solution to restore your smile, dentures could be ideal for you. It is important to replace missing teeth, even if just one is missing. If left untreated, your chewing and speaking will be affected. As additional strain is put on teeth on either side of the gap, your bite can become misaligned. The missing teeth and bone can also cause your face to sag and look older, and you could end up losing other teeth.

What are the advantages of dentures?

There are many benefits to choosing dentures to replace your missing teeth.

• You will have a full, natural-looking smile
• Dentures are durable and long-lasting
• They enable you to eat more foods and speak comfortably
• They can easily be removed
• They give support to any remaining teeth
• They are generally cheaper than other teeth replacement options.

How do dentures work?

Complete dentures replace a full arch if you have lost all teeth. An acrylic plastic base is used, coloured to match your gums, with a full set of teeth usually made from acrylic that fits over your own gums. We will take precise measurements of your mouth. The measurement will be given to a dental technician who will custom-make your dentures so that they fit snugly over your gums and jawbone. We will make sure your dentures are comfortable and advise you on how to clean them and the best methods for keeping them securely in place.
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Partial dentures replace one or more teeth and are used if you still have some of your own teeth. The replacement teeth are specially created to fit your gaps and blend in with your remaining teeth. These are fixed to a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth to hold in place. It can take a while to get used to your new dentures, but modern dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever.

How do I look after my dentures?

Dentures must be looked after as if they were your natural teeth. Plaque can develop on dentures in much the same way as it can on natural teeth, putting you at risk of gum disease.

With removable dentures, we recommend you take them out and clean them thoroughly with a soft brush. They should then be rinsed and soaked overnight in a denture cleaner.
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Remember to keep your mouth clean, too, by gently brushing your gums and tongue with a soft brush and rising with a mouthwash.