Removable prosthetic teeth designed to replace missing teeth, restore facial support, and improve your ability to eat and speak normally.
The first recorded use of a form of denture is over 2000 years ago. The quality and comfort of dentures has developed over the years and is now better than ever. Missing teeth are replaced for reasons ranging from health to improving smile aesthetics — teeth support the lips and cheeks, and any missing teeth can lead to sagging of the facial muscles, a more aged appearance, and difficulties speaking and eating.
They are a treatment for missing teeth that allow patients to speak and eat normally. A complete denture will replace all the teeth in the lower or upper jaw, while a partial denture will fill in spaces left by fewer missing teeth and is fixed to surrounding teeth with clasps or precision attachments. The base of a denture is constructed from either metal or acrylic, and the teeth are usually also made from acrylic, custom-made to match the shade of your natural teeth.
Dentures can be created to match the colour of your natural teeth to ensure there is not a drastic change in your appearance. They will also fill out your face and improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Eating will take some getting used to. Begin by sticking to soft foods cut into small pieces, chewing slowly and using both sides of the mouth simultaneously to stop the denture from shifting. In time you will be able to return to a normal diet.
You may need to practise pronouncing certain words by reading aloud and repeating any that cause difficulty. With time you will adjust and be able to speak normally. If the denture slips when you smile, cough or laugh, move it back by biting down gently and swallowing. If the problem persists, make an appointment with your dentist.
The taste buds are primarily on the tongue so dentures will not affect them too much. During the initial stages there may be some impact on sensing hot food and drink — take care to avoid burning yourself in the early adjustment period.
For the first couple of days your dentist will advise wearing the dentures nearly all the time to grow accustomed to them. Once the adjustment period is over you will be advised to remove them before bedtime, giving your gums some respite and promoting oral health. Clean the appliance thoroughly before bed.
Standard dentures are fitted after natural teeth are removed and the tissue has healed. Immediate Dentures are fitted as soon as the teeth have been taken out so that patients do not go without teeth during healing. It is possible, however, for gums and bone to shrink in the six months after extraction, meaning the appliance may need to be relined or replaced to correct the fit.
For the first few weeks you may feel some discomfort. They may feel loose at first, although the muscles in the tongue and cheek will soon hold them in position. Mild pain or irritation during the adjustment period is fairly common, as is a temporary decrease in saliva flow. If they continue to feel loose, painful or uncomfortable, make an appointment with your dentist — do not remove them beforehand as the dentist will need to see the problem in order to solve it.
Dentures are extremely delicate and can shatter if dropped — clean them over a sink full of water or a folded towel. When not being worn, keep them in a container covered with enough water to prevent drying out. Brush every day to remove plaque and food debris, prevent staining, and promote oral health. Use a soft-bristled brush or specialist denture brush — hard bristles risk damaging the appliance. Denture cleaners are also useful for removing stains.
Dentures can become worn over time and may need adjusting if the shape of the mouth changes. If the bone ridges or gums shrink or recede, dentures can become loose, leading to infections, sores, and discomfort. It is vital that these problems are addressed promptly.
It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months for check-ups and professional cleaning to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. If wearing full dentures, check with your dentist how many appointments they recommend.
Have questions?
Our experienced clinicians are happy to discuss any concerns or questions about your oral health.