Dentures
Gaps left by missing teeth can cause problems with eating and speech, and teeth either side of the gap may grow into the space at an angle.Sometimes all the teeth need to be removed and replaced.Dentures are removable plastic or metal frameworks that have false teeth attached and are used to replace missing teeth.
Types of Denture
There are two types of dentures – complete or ‘full’ (where all your teeth are missing) or partial dentures (used to replace one or more missing teeth).
- Dentures are custom-made using impressions (mouldings) from your gums. They can be made of plastic or metal and anchor closely onto the remaining teeth for stability. They also provide structure to your smile and prevent surrounding facial muscles from sagging.
- They’re removable so you can clean them, although part dentures can be brushed at the same time as your other teeth. A full set needs to be removed and soaked in a cleaning solution.
- A ‘Flexible Denture’ which is based on a new flexible material is also now available, making it much easier to wear, more comfortable and able to adapt to slight changes in the shape of your mouth, for example, when you are eating or drinking.
Dentures FAQs
A full denture will be fitted if all your upper or lower teeth need to be removed or you’re having an old complete denture replaced.
- The denture will usually be fitted as soon as your teeth are removed, which means you won’t be without teeth. The denture will fit snugly over your gums and jawbone.
- If you have dentures fitted immediately after the removal of several teeth, the gums and bone will alter in shape fairly quickly and the dentures will probably need relining or remaking after a few months.Occasionally, your gums may need to be left to heal and alter in shape for several months before dentures can be fitted.
- A dentist will take measurements and impressions (moulds) of your mouth, and then order your full or partial dentures from a dental technician.
- A trial denture will be created from the impressions taken of your mouth for you to try to assess the fit and appearance.The shape and colour may be adjusted before the final denture is produced.
A partial denture is designed to fill in the gaps left by one or more missing teeth. It’s a plastic, nylon or metal plate with a number of false teeth attached to it.
- A partial denture usually clips onto some of your natural teeth via metal clasps, which hold it securely in place in your mouth. It can easily be unclipped and removed.Occasionally, the clips can be made of a tooth or gum-coloured material, although this type of clip isn’t always suitable because it tends to be more brittle than metal.
- A dentist will measure your mouth and order a partial denture for you, or you can see a qualified clinical dental technician, who can provide a partial denture for you directly after you have first seen your dentist for a treatment plan and certificate of oral health.
Alternatives to Dentures
A fixed bridge is an alternative to a partial denture and may be suitable for some people.
Crowns are put on the teeth either side of the gap and joined together by a false tooth that’s put in the gap.
Please click on this link for further details regarding Crown and Bridges.