What is Dentures?

Dentures are a removable prosthesis, made of full acrylic or metal-based 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. Some partial dentures can be fastened to your natural teeth with metal clasps. These are chrome-cobalt dentures. They exhibit greater comfort, strength and retention compared to traditional acrylic dentures.

Dentures can be fitted straight after the removal of your teeth, these are known as ‘immediate dentures’. You will need an appointment before this so your dentist can take impressions of your upper and lower jaw and you can discuss the appearance of what you wish your dentures to look like. Immediate dentures mean 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 relining, adjusting or even replacing.

Looking after your dentures will involve cleaning them every day with a hard bristle brush and anti-bacterial washing up liquid, we advise you do this over a towel or sink filled with cool water in case you drop then. We would also advise leaving them out overnight to give your gums time to ‘breathe’. You can soak your dentures overnight in water or denture cleaning solution.

You should still continue to see your dentist for routine exams.

Full denture- these can be supported by your gums or by implants- speak to us about implant-supported dentures and how this can improve your quality of life as a denture wearer.