Dentures

Dentures can be classified as either partial or complete.

Dentures are made from either acrylic material or a combination of both acrylic and metal. Metal-acrylic dentures tend to be more stable and aesthetically pleasing.

Partial dentures are supported by your existing teeth whilst complete dentures are only supported by your gums.

Yes, dentures can also be retained by dental implants which act like buttons or magnets providing the denture with greater retention.

The cost of dentures will depend upon what material is used to fabricate the denture, how many teeth need to be replaced and whether it is an upper denture, lower denture or both. Typically Acrylic dentures start from £900 per arch, cobalt chrome dentures and Valplast flexidentures start from £1200 per arch.

Dentures usually take 2–4 weeks to make from start to finish.

This timeframe includes:

• an initial examination;
• impressions or digital scans;
• bite measurements;
• try-in stages to check the fit and appearance;
• final fabrication by our dental laboratory.

There are three different type of dentures are as follows:

​​1. Full dentures: Also known as complete dentures, these replace all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

2. Partial dentures: These are used when only some teeth are missing and are attached to the remaining natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments.

3. Implant-supported dentures: These are removable dentures that are supported by dental implants, providing a more stable and secure fit compared to traditional dentures.

In most cases implants tend to be a better solution than dentures as dental implants provide a fixed solution to replacing teeth. Therefore it is easier to eat, chew and speak with implant retained prosthetics. Dentures can be made to fit well but they are a removable solution and tend to be the treatment of choice when there is a lack of bone available for dental implants.

Acrylic dentures tend to be the option for producing the most natural looking dentures. It is worth noting that acrylic can be made to look very natural but they still fall short in comparison to porcelain/ceramic restorations used for dental implants.

Implant-supported dentures are often considered the most comfortable type of dentures to wear. This is because they are securely anchored to dental implants, which are surgically placed into the jawbone. This provides a more stable and secure fit, preventing issues such as slipping or shifting that can occur with traditional dentures. Implant-supported dentures also help to preserve the bone in the jaw and can improve overall chewing function and speech. While they may require a more involved and costly procedure initially, many patients find that the comfort and stability of implant-supported dentures are well worth the investment.

Dentures can last between 3-5 years but it can be longer depending on how well they are maintained. Cleaning them regularly and ensuring that you are careful when cleaning them will ensure they stay hygienic.

Dentures must be taken out at night due to the following reasons.

1. Giving the gums and jawbone a break: Wearing dentures continuously can put pressure on the gums and underlying jawbone, leading to potential irritation, soreness, and bone loss over time. Removing the dentures at night allows the soft tissues in the mouth to rest and recover.

2. Preventing infections: Keeping dentures in the mouth 24/7 can create a warm, moist environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of infections such as oral thrush.

3. Maintaining oral hygiene: Removing dentures at night allows for easier and more thorough cleaning of both the dentures and the mouth. It is important to clean and soak dentures overnight to help prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria.

Overall, removing dentures at night is an important part of proper denture care and can help ensure the health and comfort of the mouth in the long term.

It typically takes 2–4 weeks to get fully used to wearing dentures.

During this time, you may notice slight soreness, increased saliva flow, or mild speech changes — all of which are completely normal. As your mouth adapts, dentures will feel more natural and comfortable.

If discomfort persists beyond a few weeks, our team can adjust the fit to improve your comfort.

Dentures can be worn throughout the day. It is generally encouraged to remove your dentures and clean them after every meal. Although this may not be possible if you are at work or outside your home.

It can take time to get used to learning how to eat and speak with dentures. As time goes on you will learn how to control the dentures and your mouth will adapt. A well fitting retentive denture can be difficult to detect.

Yes, you can eat normally with dentures once you have adapted to them. At first, you may need to:

• Start with soft foods and cut them into small pieces.
• Avoid biting into very hard or sticky foods.
• Chew slowly on both sides to keep the denture stable.

To keep your dentures clean, fresh, and long-lasting, you should:

• Rinse them after every meal to remove food debris.
• Brush them daily using a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner.
• Avoid regular toothpaste, as it can scratch the denture surface.
• Use a denture-soaking solution overnight to remove bacteria and prevent odours.
• Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth to maintain good oral hygiene.

Dentures should be cleaned every morning and before bed, as well as after every meal if possible.

Using a specific denture cleaner periodically such as sterident can help remove build up and kill off bacteria.

If dentures are not cleaned regularly and properly, several issues can arise:

1. Plaque and bacteria build-up: Just like natural teeth, dentures can accumulate plaque and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. This can lead to bad breath, gum irritation, and oral infections.

2. Staining and discoloration: If dentures are not cleaned regularly, they can become stained and discolored, affecting their appearance and making them look dull or dirty.

3. Tartar formation: If plaque is not removed from dentures, it can harden into tartar, which is harder to remove and can cause irritation to the gums and lead to gum disease.

4. Foul odor: Neglected dentures can develop a foul odor due to the accumulation of bacteria and food debris, leading to bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

5. Damage to dentures: Failure to clean dentures properly can result in the build-up of hard deposits that can scratch or damage the denture material, affecting their fit and longevity.

6. Oral infections: Dirty dentures can harbor harmful bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of oral infections such as oral thrush or stomatitis.

Overall, proper cleaning and maintenance of dentures are crucial for oral health and overall well-being. It is important to follow a regular denture cleaning routine to prevent these issues and ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the dentures.