DENTURES

What are they?

One of the available treatments to replace missing teeth. Depending on each patient's individual needs, the condition of existing teeth and gums, the dentist will decide which of the different types of dentures will be most suitable. This means choosing the material of the base on to which the artificial teeth will be fixed. This material could be plastic or a metal/plastic combination.

If one tooth comes off an existing denture or a tooth needs extracting and adding to a denture or a denture is broken we may be able to repair this within 1-3 working days. However, no repair will be as strong as a newly made denture.

What will the NHS dentist do?

The process of making dentures will usually require 4 visits to the practice over 4-5 weeks.

>> First impression (mould) of patient's teeth
>> Second impression (mould) in a specially made tray and bite registration - to make the fit of the dentures more accurate
>> Try-in of the artificial teeth in your mouth and any adjustments can be done at that stage
>> Fitting of the dentures

As the dentures are desinged to be removable they will often feel like foreign bodies in the your mouth to begin with. They will never be completely fixed but with time and patience you will get used to them. Think of it like getting used to a new pair of shoes and don't give up! However, it is common that patients have to return to the dentist for minor adjustments if they rub and cause ulcers or are to loose or tight.

What does the patient do?

As dentures are removable appliances they have to be taken out to be cleaned and this should be done several times a day. Dentures should be left out at night so the gums can rest.

If you already have dentures and want to replace them, you should be aware that no dentures are identical. The new ones may feel both loose and uncomfortable compared to the old ones but this will be because you are so used to the old ones and know exactly how to use your lip, tongue or cheeks to make them stable in your mouth. With new dentures it will take time and patience to reach the same stage. Persevere!

Some patients may need extra support for dentures to stay in place, for instance, if you have little remaing bone left in your jaws. In that case, a denture "glue" may be used, these can be purchased over the counter at a chemist.