Dentures

A removable denture replaces missing teeth.  ‘Partial’ dentures replace a few missing teeth and ‘full’ dentures are needed if all the natural teeth are missing.  Dentures are made of plastic and sometimes metal as well to make them strong and less bulky.

The dentist may want to see you again fairly soon to see how you are getting on with the denture.  If there are problems, they can make small adjustments.  Dentists call this ‘easing’ your dentures.

What are the benefits?

• If you have lost some teeth, dentures can improve the way you look, bite, chew and speak.

• They are custom-made to match your mouth and can be made to look as natural as possible.

• You will be able to chew more efficiently.

• The teeth that are left are protected from wear and tear.  Without dentures, the natural teeth may move or tilt, stopping your teeth biting together properly.

• Dentures can be fitted straight after teeth have been taken out so that nobody will know that you have had a tooth out.  These are called ‘immediate’ dentures.

Dentures will never feel like your own teeth and it can take time to get used to them.  If you haven’t had a denture before, the dentist will want to explain the difficulties of wearing dentures, as well as the benefits and how you should look after your new dentures and the teeth you have left.