25 June 2015

All you need to know about dentures

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable false teeth, which replace your original teeth, if they have become sufficiently damaged. They are made from either metal or acrylic.

Will I need to have dentures?

While the aim is always to keep your own teeth, some people, even those who have looked after their teeth, may need dentures at some time as they age. Obviously, if you do lose teeth, it can affect your ability to eat, speak properly and affect your self-confidence. Dentures can replace your teeth to enable you to continue to eat well, speak properly and feel that you have the self-confidence to face the world.

What sort of dentures might I need?

Depending on your dental problems, you may need either complete or partial dentures. Your dentist will advise you on the best solution for you.

How are dentures made?

Dentures are made by the dentist, who will take an impression from your mouth. This is done by placing tray with dental putty inside, which are pushed around your teeth and gums and take an impression of your mouth and its specific shape. These impressions are then sent to a dental technician to be custom made for you. The dentist will match the shape and colour of your dentures as far as possible to your natural teeth.

What are partial dentures?

If some of your own natural teeth are still in good condition, you may only need partial dentures. These are usually a metal or plastic plate, to which a number of false teeth are attached. This plate is then either fastened by means of a metal clasp to your natural teeth, which can be removed, or alternatively, the dentist may place crowns over some of your natural teeth to as anchor the partial denture.

What are complete dentures?

There are several types of complete dentures:

Complete immediate dentures (also called full dentures)

Complete immediate dentures are required if all your teeth need to be removed. Usuall these dentures can be used immediately after the extraction of any remaining natural teeth, so that you do not have to manage without any teeth at all. Complete immediate dentures fit over your gums and jawbone. However, your gums and bone may shrink, especially during the first six months after teeth extraction as part of the gums’ healing process. If this happens, you may have to have your dentures adjusted to ensure they still fit well.

Complete conventional dentures

Complete conventional dentures are required if your gums need to heal before you can wear dentures. Whilst you may have to manage without teeth for a few months, when you finally get dentures, they will most probably fit well and not require further adjustment, as your gums will have already shrunk. to have dentures that fit without needing adjustment later.

Implants and dentures

Implants are a good options if you have suffred too much bone loss for conventional dentures or if you are just unsuited to them. Between four to six implants are placed within each arch of the mouth, which contain special fittings, to which the dentures will attach. This requires the creation of a hole through the gum into the jawbone, where the dentist will insert an artificial titanium root. These titanium roots require between 2-6 months to fuse with the bone, after which time the dentures can be attached. Implants help to preserve the amount of jaw bone you have remaining, which is key for supporting your dentures.

Can I wear dentures day and night?

You might be advised to wear your new dentures all the time until you get used to them and after that, you will normally take them out when you go to bed, depending on the type of denture you have. Implanted dentures are not removable.

What do dentures cost?

For NHS dental patients in England, dentures cost £222.50, coming under Band C of dental charges. You can see all the details about NHS dental charges HERE.

If you have dentures fitted privately, partial dentures will cost anything from £400 and complete dentures upwards of £600. The cost of implanted dentures depends very much on how much work you need, but you can expect to pay anything from £3,000 upwards. Ask your dentist for a written quote before proceeding. It is worth noting that dental implants help to preserve the amount of jaw bone which forms the foundation to support the denture.

How should I care for my dentures?

You should clean your dentures just as you clean your natural teeth…often and well. If they are removable dentures, it is best to brush them with toothpaste and/or soap and water to remove food and dental fixative before you soak them In denture cleaning solution. Try not to drop them, as they can crack and break. If you take out your dentures at night, put them in water so they don’t warp.

If you have dental implants, you can clean them just as you would clean your natural teeth.

How long will my dentures last?

Well cared-for dentures may last years but they you will need to get them checked regularly and they may need to be relined from time to time. If your dentures feel as if they are fitting badly, do ask your dentist to check them immediately, as badly fitting dentures can give you severe discomfort and can lead to mouth sores and infections.

Eventually, your dentures will probably have to be made again due to changes in your mouth and gum shape over time. Some people who have been wearing full dentures over long periods can find it difficult to have well fitted dentures made.

How well will I be able to eat with dentures?

When you start to wear dentures, it can be a good idea to start with soft food, but once you have got used to them, you should be able to eat as you did before.

When do I need to use a fixative?

While you are getting familiar with your dentures, you may want to use a fixative to help keep them in place. This may also be the case if your gums have shrunk a lot. However, tight fitting dentures should not require any adhesive to keep them in place.

Read about how a hygienist can help you care for your teeth here